Following the tragic sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to issue special permits to alternative shipping lines. The move ensures uninterrupted and safe maritime travel while the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines remains grounded for a comprehensive safety audit.
The directive aligns with President Bongbong Marcos’s mandate to prioritize passenger mobility and safety in the wake of Monday’s maritime incident off the coast of Basilan.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and MARINA conduct rigorous inspections of Aleson’s vessels, public service must not stall. “The President’s order is clear: the safe travel of passengers must continue. While Aleson is undergoing a full safety audit, we are opening their routes to other qualified operators who meet our strict safety standards,” Secretary Lopez stated.
Special permits will be prioritized for the following routes:
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Zamboanga City to: Isabela City, Lamitan City, Siasi (Sulu), Jolo (Sulu), and Bongao (Tawi-Tawi).
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Dapitan City (Pulauan) to: Dumaguete City.
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Dumaguete City to: Siquijor and Larena.
While most routes currently have active commercial operators, the DOTr has prepared a contingency plan for areas with a shortage of vessels, specifically Lamitan and Bongao.
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Free PCG Shuttles: PCG Spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab announced that the Coast Guard’s 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) are on standby to provide free transportation to passengers affected by the service gaps.
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Victim Assistance: MARINA has established dedicated Help Desks at Aleson Shipping Lines offices to expedite insurance claims and provide immediate support to the victims and their families.
The PCG continues its intensified Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in Basilan waters, deploying technical divers and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). As of today’s report:
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Rescued: 316 individuals
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Confirmed Casualties: 18
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Missing: 10 (Subject of ongoing SAR operations)
The DOTr remains committed to holding vessel operators accountable while ensuring that the seafaring public is provided with reliable, audited, and safe alternatives.
