MANILA, Philippines — Three more bodies were recovered in Basilan yesterday, raising the death toll in the sinking of the vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 to 40, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed.
The PCG in a statement said one of the three fatalities was a Coast Guard personnel, Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Hadjail, who was onboard the vessel when it sank.
“Our fallen Coast Guard personnel will always be remembered for his selfless dedication and commitment to public service, exemplifying courage and professionalism in the line of duty,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.
Selina Hadjail, the victim’s sister, said some of the survivors recalled how her brother prevented them from jumping overboard as the vessel was on its way down.
Survivors said Alkhaizar was wearing a life vest when they last saw him alive. He was not wearing one when his body was found, prompting authorities to presume he gave it to another passenger.
Alkhaizar boarded the ill-fated vessel to report for work in Jolo the following day, Selina said.
Meanwhile, the number of survivors remains at 316.
Pregnant woman, daughter among casualties
On Saturday, three bodies were also recovered – a four-months pregnant woman, her grade school daughter and a member of a non-government organization.
Provincial officials in Basilan and Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing Nano separately confirmed the identities of the recovered bodies on Saturday as that of Dernalyn Muarip, her daughter Sharfa and NGO member Reckmar Abtong.
Abtong, a member of the Junior Chamber International, was popular in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for having served as the organization’s president for Sulu.
Possible violations
In a radio interview, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) spokesman Luisito delos Santos said they would be verifying if the claims given by some of the survivors that Aleson Shipping Lines changed the passenger ship that ferried the people from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu that tragic day.
Citing survivors’ accounts, Delos Santos said passengers were supposed to board another vessel last Jan. 25, not MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
There were also reportedly not enough life vests on board the capsized vessel.
Marina would look into reports that the life vests were under lock and key, with Delos Santos stressing that the number of functional life vests should always be equal to a vessel’s authorized passenger capacity.
If these allegations would be proven true, he said Aleson might have committed major violations.
Hero cops lauded
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) has commended the nine police officers who risked their lives to save passengers during the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
Recognized for their heroic efforts were Pat. Algabid B. Kadi, Pat. Ryan Amud, Pat. Raser A. Ibrahim, Pat. Omar-Khaled A. Ayub, Pat. Al-Nhadzphar Y. Bara, Pat. Jubani A. Kasim, Pat. Muajer S. Hasilun, S/Sgt. Ronel H. Tibar and Cpl. Mohammad Qhan H. Quisai.
The nine personnel from the 905th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, based in Maimbung, Sulu, were aboard the vessel en route to Jolo when disaster struck.
One of the police officers lost his wife, also a police officer, during the tragedy.
“The actions of our PRO-9 personnel during the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy exemplify the highest ideals of the Philippine National Police. In the face of grave danger, total darkness, and life-threatening conditions, they chose courage over fear and service over self-preservation. They are not only survivors of a maritime tragedy; they are true heroes of public service,” PRO-9 director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates said.