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DOTr to Conduct Impartial, Thorough Investigation on Iloilo-Guimaras Sea Accident
In order to give way to a more thorough and impartial investigation on the recent Iloilo-Guimaras sea tragedy, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade today ordered the relief of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station commanders in Iloilo and Guimaras, as well as the regional director of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Western Visayas.
“I want them immediately relieved from their posts so we can give way to a more thorough and impartial investigation. If they are found negligent, we will make sure that necessary criminal charges will be filed against them,” Sec. Tugade said.
Tugade issued the directive to PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino and MARINA OIC Administrator Narciso Vingson Jr., who are both with him in Guimaras to inspect various port facilities and to personally extend sympathies with the bereaved families of victims of the tragic sea accident.
As a form of assistance, Sec. Tugade pledged to help provide qualified family members of victims with employment to the MARINA, PCG, and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
“Tutulong tayo na mabigyan ng trabaho sa PPA, MARINA at Coast Guard ang mga miyembro ng pamilya ng mga biktima. Maliit na tulong lamang ho ito, ngunit nais ho naming maramdaman nila na narito ang gobyerno para sa kanila,” the Transportation chief said.
Tugade likewise ordered the MARINA to expedite the release of permits of Ro-Ro fastcraft vessels that will be used to augment the number of ships plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route, while a suspension on wooden hull bancas are in place.
“I-release agad ang mga permits para hindi mahirapan ang mga pasahero na maghanap ng kanilang masasakyan,” Sec. Tugade said.
“Itong nangyaring ito ay isang wake up call na kailangan na nating i-modernize ang ating mga bangka. Ang modernisasyon ay hindi lamang po para sa mga sasakyan sa kalsada. Kasama diyan ang ating mga sasakyang pandagat, lalung-lalo na ang ating mga bangka,” Sec. Tugade added. (DOTr PR)
