SC honors Shari'ah court judge who died in M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 mishap

The Supreme Court of the Philippines announced the passing of Shari'ah Circuit Court Judge Alberto Orong Romoros, who was among the passengers of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 that capsized last month in Basilan.

Judge Romoros, aside from his post at the Shari'ah Circuit Court in Jolo, Sulu, was also the acting presiding judge of the Shari'ah Circuit Court in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; and Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Romoros, according to the statement of the Supreme Court, was born in Marawi City on October 27, 1969 and is survived by his wife Raimonah Abubakar Romoros, and their children Almaida, Mohd Salahudin, Abdul Rashid, Zainab, and Yusoph.

The Supreme Court related the itinerary of Romoros, who left his family residence on January 23, 2026 to report for work at the Shari'ah Circuit Court in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

"After reporting to SHCC Kabakan, he traveled by land to General Santos City. On January 25, 2026, he departed General Santos City and traveled by land to Davao City. From there he boarded a commercial flight to Zamboanga City. Upon arrival, he boarded a vessel bound for Jolo, Sulu, in furtherance of his official duties," the SC said.

"On January 26, 2026, Judge Hashreen T. Caudang-Lucman of Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, informed Judge Romoros' family of the incident involving MV Trisha Kerstin 3," the court added.

Tribute

"Judge Romoros," the SC continued," was known to his family as generous and deeply passionate about his work. To his friends, he was kind, respectful and humble."

Romoros was cited for "his integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to the Shari'ah justice system," including the conduct of free Shari'ah bar exam review sessions since 2020 through the Association of Muslim Advocates of Law (AMAL), which he founded.

He initiated the First National Shari'ah Lawyers Convention that should have been held on February 15, 2026 in Davao City.

"Additionally, he began efforts to construct a Muslim Mosque in Balindog, Lanao del Sur, reflecting his commitment not only to justice but also to faith and community development," the SC said.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Judge Romoros' family, loved ones, and the entire Jolo, Sulu SHCC staff during this difficult time." — BAP, GMA Integrated News