UNLESS there are additional witnesses, the Special Board of Marine Inquiry will wrap up its investigation and start assessing its findings into the Sept. 16 collision of MV St. Thomas Aquinas and Sulpicio Express Siete.
“President Aquino is interested in the report. Hence, our findings will be endorsed to the president,” said Johonsan Fabilane, an SBMI member.
He said their report will be submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communcations (DOTC).
Fabilane said they are hoping more survivors will appear before the SBMI to shed light.
“We’re only after the facts. We won’t recommend the filing of criminal cases although the result of our investigation can be used by any person who might want to file a complaint (in court),” Fabilane said.
He said the SBMI will recommend ways to improve navigation at the Cebu Harbor. “We will be recommending some reforms,” Fabilane said.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) yesterday started its own inquiry and convened the lawyers of both shipping lines.
The proceedings were brief and parties were advised to submit pleadings.
Another conference is set on Oct. 11 with Marina standing as complainant against the two shipping companies.
“Marina will stop the operations of the company’s entire fleet in the event that they will be found liable,” hearing officer Bashiruddin Adil said.
He said the parties also have to present their witnesses.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said the Marina granted his request to hold hearings in Cebu City so that families of the passengers won’t have to spend to go to Manila.
In last Monday’s occular inspection of the collision site in Lawis Ledge, the SBMI noticed the lack of navigational buoys or Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to guide maritime traffic.
Capt. Carlos Moralde of the Metro Cebu Harbor Pilots Inc. said most domestic ships don’t request for pilot’s assistance in navigating the area.
“After days of hearing, we now have a clear view of what happened. We will try our best to finish our report,” Commodore Gilbert Rueras, SBMI chairman said. Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol and Correspondents Michelle Joy L. Padayhag and Peter L. Romanillos