PHL probe results of USS Guardian grounding still under review — Malacañang

While the US Navy has made public its findings of its probe into the grounding of the minesweeper USS Guardian at Tubbataha Reef last January, Malacañang said Saturday it is still reviewing the investigation report of Philippine authorities.

 

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte did not give a timetable on when the government will make public the findings of the Philippine side.

 

“The results of our investigation (are) currently under review. Hindi pa tayo magkukumento hanggang hindi na-review nang kabuuan ang report (The results of our investigation are still being reviewed. We will defer comment until the review is completed),” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

On Friday, the US Navy released online a redacted version of its report indicating lapses in leadership may have led to the grounding of the USS Guardian at Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17.

 

US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Cecil Haney added a "lack of leadership" led to the watch team's disregard of visual and electronic cues and alarms.

 

“I understand this is result of their investigation. We do have our own,” Valte said.

 

Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard had submitted its report to the Department of Transportation and Communications, which in turn submitted it to President Benigno Aquino III.  — ELR, GMA News