MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) expressed profound grief and extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the sinking of passenger-cargo vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which capsized off the waters of Basilan last week.
In a statement, Secretary Anton Lagdameo conveyed the message of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “personal sorrow and concern for the victims and their families.”
“Following the tragic capsizing of the M/V Trisha Kerstin, the President has directed all agencies to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance to the survivors and bereaved families,” Lagdameo said.
“As search and retrieval operations continue, our focus remains on the care of the survivors and the dignified recovery of the departed. However, we also owe it to the victims to pursue the truth. The OSAP fully supports a thorough investigation to ensure full accountability and the implementation of concrete reforms,” he added.
The vessel, bound for Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City, sank near Baluk-Baluk Island on January 26. Extensive search, rescue, and retrieval operations have since been conducted led by the Philippine Coast Guard with the support of local government units and volunteer groups.
Latest reports confirm that around 40 bodies have been recovered, while more than a hundred passengers were rescued.
Beyond relief efforts, Lagdameo underscored the urgent need for accountability, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the sinking must be fully and transparently examined.
He expressed full support for a swift, thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the tragedy. He likewise emphasized that authorities must establish the facts on vessel seaworthiness, passenger capacity, weather conditions, and regulatory compliance prior to the voyage.
“We owe it to the victims and their families to pursue the truth,” Lagdameo said.
