Operator faces administrative raps; 14 PCG, Marina personnel axed

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Wednesday, Feb. 11, that it has ordered the filing of administrative cases against Aleson Shipping Lines, the operator of MV Trisha Kirsten 3, following the ferry's sinking off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan last month.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez directed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to initiate administrative proceedings against Aleson Shipping Lines to determine whether its certificate of public convenience (CPC) should be revoked.

Administrative charges will also be filed against the crew of MV Trisha Kirsten 3 while the crew's identification documents have been suspended after the incident, according to Lopez.

Aside from that, six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and eight Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) officers were also relieved from their posts following the ferry tragedy that has since killed 52 people.

Relieved were Lt. Commander Tristan Jener Q. Erediano, station commander of Coast Guard Station in Zamboanga; PO2 Floryn A. Malimban, of the Maritime Affairs Branch; as well as members of the boarding and inspection team in the area including P01 Sabhal U. Turaini, PO3 Jestoni T. Barreto, PO3 Khalid A. Asmawil, and PO3 Al-Yazar J. Muyong.