The fatalities were identified as Matea P. Infiesto, 62, and Nicetas N. Cabrera, 73, both female passengers from Lagsing, Bacani, Clarin Bohol and chief mate Abelardo C. Torrevillas Sr., 57, from Tagbilaran City.
The vessel was carrying 75 people, including its officers and crew, when the accident happened.
Island Express Shipping has six vessels: one fastcraft and five Roll-on Roll-off vessels serving Hagnaya-Sta. Fe and Cebu-Tubigon routes.
“At this point, public safety is our primordial concern. I will not allow shipping companies to take chances with the lives of the passengers. DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) will ensure that whenever a passenger steps on a ship, he can be certain that ship will have passed all the stringent requirements for safety,” Roxas said.
Roxas instructed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to convene the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) and to subject the owners and operators of Island Express Shipping to a thorough investigation to determine whether the shipping company or its crew was at fault.
Roxas also ordered the Marina and PCG to ensure that the owners provide the survivors and the family of the casualties the assistance they need.
He also tasked the PCG to continue monitoring the situation for other damage and possible oil spill.
“Our job is to protect the safety of the public not to balance contending interests. The shipping companies have officers, lawyers, accountants and others; they can take care of themselves. Our job is to protect the interest of the public whom we serve,” he said. (Sunnex)
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