Formal inquiry into the grounding of BRP Gregorio del Pilar starts

The Philippine Navy said a formal inquiry into the grounding of BRP Gregorio del Pilar at Hasa-Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) last August 29 in the West Philippine Sea has already started.

The probe is being conducted by a special investigating committee headed by Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr.

The investigation will not only look into the incident but will also find out how to prevent a similar accident in the future.

Results of the probe will be submitted to the Flag Officer in Command.

Meanwhile, a thanksgiving Mass was held on Friday aboard the BRP Gregorio del Pilar when it arrived in Subic, Zambales.

PHOTO: Thanksgiving mass, idinaos sa loob ng BRP Gregorio del Pilar na nakadaong ngayon sa Subic matapos sumadsad sa Hasa-Hasa Shoal sa West Philippine Sea noong Aug 29. (????: Phil Navy) | via @JonathanAndal_ pic.twitter.com/o4MGWUf9dU

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 8, 2018

Officers and crew also underwent stress debriefing.

The vessel was also inspected to determine the extent of repairs needed.

The Philippine Navy also said Commander Dominic Benauro, who has commanded a number of commissioned vessels, has assumed his role as the new captain of BRP Gregorio del Pilar. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy Class 2000. —KG, GMA News