(Eagle News)–Six officials of the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard have been relieved following the Iloilo-Guimaras sea tragedy that killed at least 31.
Transportation Secretary Art Tugade said the relief of PCG station commanders in Iloilo and Guimaras, and the Marina regional director of Western Visayas was to pave the way for a “more thorough and impartial investigation.”
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,” a Department of Transportation statement said.
“If they are found negligent, we will make sure that necessary criminal charges will be filed against them,” Tugade said.
Tugade also pledged to help provide qualified family members of victims with employment to the Marina, PCG, and the Philippine Ports Authority.
He also ordered Marina to expedite the release of permits of Ro-Ro fastcraft vessels that will be used to increase the number of ships plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route.
A suspension on wooden hull bancas is so far in place.
“I-release agad ang mga permits para hindi mahirapan ang mga pasahero na maghanap ng kanilang masasakyan,” 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,” he added.
