The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has expanded its compliance inspection to all shipping fleet in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu.
This directed was announced today, February 2, 2026, by MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, who is personally leading an investigation of the Aleson Shipping, whose vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off near Basilan province.
“All vessels in Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu are going to be inspected,” said Malaluan at the MARINA Regional Office 9 in Zamaboanga City as part of the strict implementation of maritime safety standards.
“No one will be spared,” she said noting that ensuring safety of each ship, passengers and cargoes is the primordial responsibility of shipping operators and crew.
In particular, she put emphasis on the readily accessible life vests; in good working condition lift rafts and lifeboats; and proper lashing of rolling cargoes.
These measures are critical to prevent accident, loss of life, and away from risks, especially in routes with high passenger traffic and cargo volumes.
Malaluan expects speedy implementation of her directive by MRO9 to ensure that all shipping firms comply with the maritime safety standards.
She added that the compliance inspection is not only focused on the physical aspect and condition of the ship, but also on actual readiness of safety equipment that these are in properly working, in good condition, and can easily be used and accessible in times of emergencies.
