PNP: 1 cop among 18 fatalities in M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking

A police officer was among the 18 people who died after a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry vessel sank in the waters off Pilas Island, Basilan on early Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said the police officer was from the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9.

Authorities said 317 were rescued while 18 died in the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 that happened at around 1 a.m. Monday, while 24 are still missing.

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family and assured that the police force will extend its full support.

“Masakit at mabigat para sa buong PNP ang pagkawala ng isa sa ating mga kasamahan. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. Sisiguraduhin namin na hindi sila nag-iisa sa panahong ito,” Nartatez said.

(It is painful for the PNP to lose one of our own. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. We will ensure that they are not be alone in this difficult time.)

The PNP said 13 police personnel were rescued following the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 – nine from the 905th and 903rd Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and four from the Regional Emergency and Rescue Unit 9.

The rescued police officers were brought to Zamboanga City Port and the Basilan Port to receive proper care and assistance. — JMA, GMA Integrated News