BMI grills Pagasa, Sulpicio over dissemination of weather reports

MANILA, Philippines - The Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) on Wednesday resumed its investigation into the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy, and focused on the issue of the dissemination of weather reports to shipping companies. Before the start of the hearing, BMI chair Rear Admiral Ramon Liwag said the Board intends to question officials from both the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and Sulpicio Lines on how weather forecasts are communicated to shipping firms. "We would want to know the process on dissemination of weather reports. This one issue needs to be resolved," Liwag said, noting that aside from Pagasa, also lined up to questioning is Sulpicio Lines' port captain in Manila. During the hearing, Pagasa chief Prisco Nilo explained said weather bulletins are sent directly to the NDCC and are likewise posted on the weather agency's website. "Primary means of dissemination is through the NDCC and also to the Pagasa website," Nilo said. Nilo also fended off allegations that it failed to disseminate its weather forecast in a timely manner which contributed to the occurrence of the tragedy, saying shipping companies also have the responsibility to closely monitor the weather condition to ensure its vessels’ safety. "We are a warning agency not a media agency," Nilo said. On Monday, shipping company Sulpicio Lines Inc sued Pagasa for alleged "inaccurate" weather reports which led to the capsizing of the MV Princess of the Stars off Romblon at the height of Typhoon "Frank." Sulpicio sought P2.5 million in moral damages; P1 million for "loss of goodwill," P500,000 for exemplary damages; P150,000 for attorney's fee and litigation expenses; and P500,000 for moral damages done to vice president Edgar Go. - GMANews.TV