File photo of Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Artemio Abu
MANILA, Philippines — “One thing is certain, there was negligence on the part of our people and we are brave enough to accept the consequences of our actions.”
These were the words of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Artemio Abu during a Senate hearing held Tuesday.
He was admitting that there were clear lapses on the part of their personnel prior to the capsizing of MB Princess Aya in Laguna de Bay on July 27, 2023.
This incident led to the death of 27 individuals.
“Based on our investigations, it proved that there was negligence on the part of our personnel. Yes, our personnel [have] really committed negligence. It is clear that we have had lapses. We are aware of this,” confessed Abu in a mix of English and Filipino.
To this, Senator Grace Poe, answered, “Mabigat sa konsensya ‘yan.”
(That’s heavy on the conscience.)
Poe was presiding over the deliberation.
“Ayoko nang masyadong lagyan pa ng asin ang sugat, pero syempre kailangan managot sila,” Poe explained.
(I don’t want to put salt to a wound, but of course, they should be held accountable.)
Abu did not specify what negligence PCG personnel committed, but initial findings attributed the overturning of MB Princess Aya to overloading.
Witness accounts say passengers shifted to the left side of the boat after strong winds hit the motorbanca.
Investigations also showed the passengers were not wearing life vests.
Meanwhile, Abu said PCG personnel who were involved in the port operations have been relieved.
“Ni-relieve po natin sila. Ang substation commander na siyang hindi nag inspect o hindi [tumingin] doon sa [motorbanca] at yung kanyang immediate supervisor ay meron na po tayong sanction,” Abu said.
(We have relieved them. The substation commander — the one who did not inspect or check the motorbanca — as well as the immediate supervisor, were already given sanction.)
“The case now is at the national headquarters level to determine if we will lessen or increase the recommended penalty,” he added.
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