DOTr files raps against 3 MARINA officials over MV Trisha Kerstin 3 mishap

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has filed charges against three officers of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in relation to the sinking of the ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, a department official said on Friday.

In a dzBB interview, DOTr Assistant Secretary for the Maritime Sector Bong Plan said that the three personnel were directly involved with the issuance of safety certificates for the sunken vessel.

Six other personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were placed under preventive suspension as the PCG conducts separate investigations into the sinking and other possible violations.

He said the PCG promised to submit an investigation report next week.

DOTr said that they are in the process of filing several administrative cases against Aleson Shipping Lines to cancel and revoke their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

Aleson’s operations are currently suspended following the sinking.

“The DOTr, in coordination with MARINA, is already studying the different aspects... and evidence in order for us to file the necessary criminal charges pagdating po sa trahedyang ito. Tinitignan po natin kung ang mga liabilities nila as well as violations po na ginawa po nila,” Plan said.

(The DOTr, in coordination with MARINA, is already studying the different aspects para doon and evidence in order for us to file the necessary criminal charges when it comes to this tragedy. We will look into their liabilities as well as violations that they have done.)

Among the issues DOTr plans to investigate are the passengers undeclared on MV Trisha Kerstin 3’s manifesto and safety violations due to the lack of access to life vests.

As of Wednesday, MV Trisha Kerstin 3’s death toll was at 52 after the recovery of another cadaver during a search and rescue (SAR) and dive operations in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island.

The current tally of survivors stands at 316. –Jiselle Anne C. Casucin/NB, GMA Integrated News