Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Basilan.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide immediate support to those affected by the sinking of a passenger-cargo ferry in Basilan.
The vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, went down around 1:50 a.m. on Monday near Baluk-Baluk Island while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. On board were 332 passengers and 27 crew members.
The accident has claimed 18 lives, with 24 people still reported missing, authorities said.
A total of 317 passengers and crew have been rescued so far. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as the Philippine Coast Guard continues to coordinate efforts at sea.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has directed that all necessary assistance be extended to the victims and their families. “As of now, whatever happened in the ferry accident, the DSWD has already been instructed by the President to provide appropriate assistance to our fellow citizens,” she said.
Castro added that investigators are working to determine whether the vessel exceeded its capacity or violated maritime regulations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensure passenger safety.
The DSWD reported that ready-to-eat meals and relief goods have been distributed to the survivors at Isabela City Port, helping to meet their immediate needs.
Field officers from the DSWD Quick Response Team in Zamboanga Peninsula are conducting profiling and assessments of the passengers to identify further assistance, including medical, psychological, and logistical support.