Safety audit of Aleson Shipping Lines starts after ship sinking

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has begun a comprehensive safety audit of Aleson Shipping Lines after one of its passenger vessels M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan on January 26, 2026.

MARINA administrator, Sonia Malaluan, said there is no room for negligence when it comes to the safety of passengers and crew members.

Malaluan added that the audit will not stop at inspecting the vessels alone as it will include a thorough review and validation of the shipping company’s entire system, including the responsibilities of its officers, crew, and supporting offices.

“Ang isinasagawa nating comprehensive safety audit ay isang malalim at masusing pagsisiyasat upang matukoy ang ugat ng mga pagkukulang at matiyak na ang lahat ng barkong papayagang bumiyahe ay ligtas, sumusunod sa regulasyon, at maayos ang safety management systems (SMS),” Malaluan said.

MARINA said SMS is a documented framework of policies, procedures, and instructions that outlines the responsibilities of officers and crew developed by shopping companies to identify and manage risks and ensure safety of operations.

The agency has made SMS compliance mandatory for shipping companies and vessels in accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The SMS focuses on systematic management of vessel safety and operations. Shipping companies are required to implement it across their organization and all operated vessels to promote a strong safety cutlure within the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing rigorous inspections of Aleson’s vessels in Zamboanga, Jolo, and Dapitan continue, which began on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Three inspection teams from MARINA Central Office and regional offices have been deployed to assess Aleson’s passenger and cargo vessels.

Malaluan said the agency will leave no aspect of safety unchecked to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MARINA maintained that anyone found violating maritime safety standards will be held accountable.

“Wala tayong kukunsintihing pagkukulang pagdating sa kaligtasan ng ating mga pasahero. Ang masusing inspeksyong ito ay upang matiyak na lahat ng barkong papayagang bumiyahe ay ligtas, sumusunod sa ating mga regulasyon, at karapat-dapat maglayag,” Malaluan said. — GMA Regional TV