FILE PHOTO: Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday said that he wants a review of maritime laws after the ferry fire that killed dozens of people in the waters of Basilan.
“Are the laws and regulations concerning seas vessels ferrying passengers not enough to protect our passengers? Or does the problem emanate from their implementation?” the representative from Basilan said in a statement.
Hataman said that he would file a House Resolution asking to investigate the vessel fire after the Holy Week break. Included in the probe is a review of pertinent maritime laws, common carrier statuses, and operational rules and regulations of sea vessels.
The solon hopes for a guide to craft legislation that strengthens legal protection for passengers at sea.
“Nais nating malaman kung ano ba ang pinagmulan ng trahedyang ito. Saan nagsimula ang sunog? Sino o ano ang responsable? Bakit hindi naagapan agad? Bakit kulang sa response ang mga kawani ng barko? Sea-worthy ba ang ferry?” Hataman said.
(We want to know the cause of this tragedy. Where did the fire start? Why was it not acted on earlier? Why was the crew’s response lacking? Was the ferry sea-worthy?)
According to the Philippine Coast Guard’s latest update on Monday, at least 29 people have died in the vessel fire. Several people were also reported missing.
“Buhay ng tao ang nakasalalay sa ating mga susunod na hakbang. We should make the inquiry as comprehensive as possible to plug all the holes in legislation and in implementation. Para din mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga namatay sa trahedyang ito,” Hataman said.
(The lives of people depend on the next steps. We should make the inquiry as comprehensive as possible to plug all the holes in legislation and in implementation. So that we can give justice to those who died in this tragedy.)
Other than Hataman, lawmakers from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament have also sought a probe into the vessel fire.
READ: ARMM lawmakers seek own inquiry into Basilan sea mishap
Sen. Grace Poe also reiterated her call for an independent safety travel board.
The ill-fated M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 was bound for Sulu from Zamboanga when it caught fire on the night of March 29. It carried with it 205 passengers and 35 crewmembers.
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