Palace: Prudence needed in sea travel in wake of Iloilo, Guimaras tragedy

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has called for “more prudence and caution” in sea travel after three motorized boats capsized between Iloilo and Guimaras over the weekend, killing at least 31 people.

Motorboats Chi-Chi and Jenny Vince flipped over due to strong winds and waves on Saturday off Guimaras and Iloilo. Officials said the Chi-Chi boat carried 43 passengers and four crewmen, while the Jenny Vince had 40 passengers and four crewmen.

A third motorboat, the Keziah, which was not carrying any passenger, also capsized in the Iloilo Strait, but its five crewmen survived.

The death toll from the three ferries rose to 31 on Sunday.

READ: Death toll in capsized motorboats rises to 31

“I think whoever is responsible for securing the folks during storms should exercise more prudence, caution, and should give the people more guidelines relative to facing this kind of disaster,” Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Asked if President Rodrigo Duterte will visit the families and victims of the tragedy, Panelo said: “Given the character and style of the President, that’s a probability.”

He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

In a statement, Panelo said the Office of the President has directed “all concerned departments and agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard, the Maritime Industry Authority and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, to provide immediate assistance to the victims of this tragedy.”

Malacanang also asked them to “refine their coordination efforts in safeguarding the security of the public especially during this rainy season.”/TSB