DOTr Acting Sec. Giovanni Lopez. Photo courtesy of Connie Calipay/ Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to file administrative cases against Aleson Shipping Lines following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which killed 51 people in Basilan.
The directive came after investigations by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Marina examined the vessel’s operations and safety compliance.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the cases aim to determine whether the company’s operating license should be suspended or revoked.
Initial findings indicate the ferry may have been overloaded and that some cargo did not pass through the port’s weighing bridge, raising safety concerns.
The vessel had existing safety deficiencies but was still issued a seaworthiness certificate, Bautista added.
MV Trisha Kerstin 3 departed Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu, on January 25 and sank off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad town, on January 26.
Authorities continue to monitor recovery operations and review maritime safety compliance across domestic fleets.