BERNOS CITES NEED FOR BETTER MARITIME SAFETY, OPERATIONAL STANDARDS

House committee on public order and safety vice chair and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos emphasized the need to enforce better safety and operational standards in the maritime industry.

“Even as many questions remain unanswered about the maritime disaster involving the MV June Aster ferry, now is the time for our authorities and the maritime industry to work together to ensure passenger safety,” Bernos said.

“I urge the government to conduct a thorough review of the standards and processes of our inter-island vessels. Over the long term, we must work towards ensuring that we reach the required level of safety and competence to avoid further tragedies in the future,” he added.

On September 9, fire engulfed the roll-on roll-off ferry as it approached the port of Coron, Palawan. As of the latest count, 76 people have been confirmed dead while 12 to 13 others remain unaccounted for. Forty-four survivors have so far been tallied.

MV June Aster’s captain, Roel Sarmiento, who had been missing since the fire, turned up at the Palawan office of Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. five days after the tragedy.

Bernos underlined the need to improve the country’s capability to determine the fitness of vessels beyond merely checking head-counts and overloads, illegal contraband and life jackets.

He also urged for continued training and certification of maritime crew to improve their competence especially in times of emergency.

“Kahit yung mga demonstration sa mga pasahero sa kung saan makukuha ang mga life-vest, saan ang emergency exits, at iba pang emergency measures dapat hindi tayo nagkukulang,” the lawmaker said.

The solon also called on authorities to conduct an independent probe to determine accountability.

“We need an independent probe because liability may not rest on the company alone, but also on our regulators who determine whether our vessels are fit for travel or not,” he said.

He also expressed his sympathies to the tragedy’s victims.