The sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan on January 26 resulted in 29 confirmed fatalities, prompting the Department of Transportation to ground Aleson Shipping Lines' entire passenger fleet. The tragedy underscores the company's 32 maritime incidents since 2019, while revealing its ties to Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso. Officials demand accountability and a thorough probe.
On January 26, the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Basilan, claiming 29 confirmed lives. This led the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend Aleson Shipping Lines' full passenger fleet, a Mindanao-based firm with a record of 32 maritime incidents since 2019.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized government accountability alongside the company's. “If we exact accountability from the ship owners, we are going to exact higher accountability from those in government,” he said. “When it comes to maritime safety, that is not negotiable; that is not optional. Business considerations are just secondary.”
Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament Member Naguib Sinarimbo welcomed the DOTr's move, calling for justice against those failing safety and rescue duties. “The loss of life under calm sea conditions underscores the urgent need to examine possible operational failures, regulatory neglect, or negligence,” he added.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) urged a transparent investigation, per interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. The Muslim Lawyers Group (MLZ) argued that repeated accidents signal systemic failure, demanding a congressional inquiry given local government links.
Securities and Exchange Commission records show Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso's wife, Mary Joy A. Tan-Olaso, holds a 24.75% stake worth P19.8 million in Aleson. Olaso confirmed her ownership but denied influencing operations or agencies like Marina and the Philippine Coast Guard. A former Aleson employee, he has sponsored maritime-related bills, including HB 04592 for online seafarer certification renewals.
The event echoes a March 2023 fire on another Aleson vessel that killed over 30. Officials push for reforms to safeguard Mindanao's island communities from future disasters.
