ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/27 January)—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended operations of all passenger vessels owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, following the sinking of its Sulu-bound roll-on/roll-off ship off Basilan early Monday. Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that a comprehensive safety audit is underway, and only sea-worthy vessels will receive special permits from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will provide free ferry rides on the Zamboanga-Jolo route until inspections are completed.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, whose wife’s family owns Aleson Shipping, established a unified processing center to assist survivors and families with aid from various agencies. Meanwhile, the Basilan provincial government distributed P795,205 in assistance, including P5,000 per survivor and P10,000 burial aid for victims’ families. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with some still searching for missing loved ones.
Passenger Dah Edding Aming narrowly escaped tragedy after switching ships at the last minute, later learning her name was on the sunken vessel’s manifest. The incident left several missing, including the ship’s captain, crew, and a PCG marshal. (Frencie L. Carreon, MindaNews)
