President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance to the victims of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank in the waters off Basilan early Monday morning.
During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the President’s primary focus is the welfare of the affected passengers and their families. “The President has ordered the DSWD to provide the necessary assistance to our fellow citizens affected by this ferry accident,” Undersecretary Castro stated.
The DSWD has already mobilized the following resources:
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Immediate Relief: Distribution of prepositioned ready-to-eat food boxes at the Isabela City Port.
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On-site Assessment: The DSWD Field Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Quick Response Team is currently profiling survivors to determine long-term needs.
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Local Coordination: Operations are being synchronized with the Isabela City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, a passenger-cargo roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it sank at approximately 1:50 a.m. near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan. The vessel was en route from Zamboanga to Jolo, Sulu.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is currently leading intensive search and rescue operations for several individuals reported missing and is managing the recovery of those confirmed deceased.
In addition to rescue efforts, the PCG has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the sinking. Authorities are specifically looking into:
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Overcrowding: Whether the vessel exceeded its declared passenger capacity.
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Regulatory Compliance: If the vessel and its crew adhered to maritime safety protocols and laws.
“We are in close contact with the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure that if any laws were violated, they are addressed to better protect our sea-based commuters,” Castro added.
The National Government continues to monitor the situation closely as rescue teams remain on high alert in the Basilan waters.
