Coast Guard relieves 2 substation personnel after Laguna Lake tragedy

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard continue the search and rescue operations around the capsized passenger boat M/B Princess Aya, in Binangonan, Rizal province, Philippines, July 28, 2023. (REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday announced the suspension of two officers assigned at the Binangonan, Rizal substation after a motor banca capsized and resulted in the death of 27 passengers. 

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the suspension was carried out to make way for the investigation of the incident.

“Hindi pa natin masabi agad na may pagkukulang sila, kaya yung purpose ng investigation has to determine kung meron ba silang pagkukulang sa pagharap ng kanilang tungkulin,” Abu told reporters in a press briefing.

(We could not immediately conclude whether or not they had lapses.  That’s the purpose of this investigation, to determine if they did not fulfill their duties.)

“So the reason why we need to replace them [and] relieve them from their post ay para hindi na sila magka-interfere sa (so they cannot interfere with)  fair conduct of the investigation,” he added.

The two PCG personnel were in charge of inspecting vessels operating in the area.

Abu, however, noted that it is challenging for two PCGH personnel to oversee the movements of vessels around the area, highlighting the need for more PCG personnel.

M/B Princess Aya capsized some 50 yards off Barangay Kalinawan in Binangonan, Rizal Thursday afternoon. (with Ivana Romero, INQUIRER.net trainee)

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