The government has ordered all passenger ships of Aleson Shipping Lines to stop operating following a deadly sea accident that killed at least 18 people and left 10 others missing.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the order on Tuesday, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to conduct a full investigation into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3. The vessel went down while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. The missing include the ship’s captain, eight crew members, and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marshal. Authorities said 316 passengers were rescued.
Lopez directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), together with the PCG, to carry out a full safety and inspection audit of Aleson’s ships and crew before any of its vessels are allowed to operate again. He also ordered the PCG to finish its investigation within 15 days.
As part of emergency measures, the PCG was told to immediately inspect two other Aleson vessels operating on routes between Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, and Zamboanga.
The transport chief said the investigation will look into the cause of the sinking and check for possible failures by both the shipping company and government agencies. He stressed that accountability will apply not only to private operators but also to the government.
Lopez also ordered MARINA to submit a nationwide safety audit and inventory of all passenger vessels in the country. Results are expected in the coming days.
For now, Lopez said the priority is to ensure that Aleson Shipping quickly releases insurance claims and provides emergency assistance to the families of the victims and to survivors, with a simpler and faster process for claimants.
