Sulu governor wants NBI to probe deadly ferry fire

SULU – Governor Sakur Tan on Friday called on the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel and independent investigation into the deadly ferry fire that killed nearly three dozen of his constituents.

Tan said he will also commission a battery of lawyers which will help the victims and families of those who perished in the fire that hit MV Lady Mary Joy 3 on Wednesday evening.

At least 29 people, including children were killed in the tragedy after a fire broke out in a ferry off the southern Philippine province of Basilan. It was unclear whether the fire was an accident or deliberately set up, or an act of terrorism. 

The MV Lady Mary Joy 3, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed Zamboanga City and was sailing to Sulu province when the fire broke out near Hadji Muhtamad town and the ferry drifted to Baluk-Baluk Island where it ran aground, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. 

“I have no wish to pre-empt or influence the outcome of investigations into the mishap by issuing early statements at the height of the incident. I believes that it is more prudent and proper to wait for the composition of an investigating body to look into the matter, which among others will include the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Maritime Authorities, Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies and instrumentalities of government,” Tan said. 

“I call on the National Bureau of Investigation and request for them to conduct a parallel and independent investigations which we hope will shed more light into the cause of the incident. I will commission a battery of lawyers which will legally assist complainants and offer legal services for claims and other purposes,” he added. 

The legal team will be headed by Provincial Legal Officer, lawyer Ryan Jumaani and private lawyer Wendell Sotto.

Mayor Arsina Nanoh, of the Hadja Muhtamad town, said at least 195 passengers were rescued since Wednesday. The ferry had 205 passengers, but there could be more not listed on the manifesto. Nanoh, quoting a rescued passenger, said there were explosions in the ferry before and after the fire broke out.

Two Muslim lawmakers Amir Mawallil and Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia also filed a resolution in the Bangsamoro parliament on Friday seeking an inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the fire.

“While we grieve with the families of those lost in the tragic ferry fire, we in the Bangsamoro government should also make sure we take steps to ensure that this incident does not happen again. It is very unfortunate that this tragedy occurred during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which only adds to our sorrow,” Mawallil said.

“Our people have plied these waters for millennia, and so such an occurrence begs painful questions: How could this have happened? Who is responsible? And how can we prevent it from happening again?” he added.

The Resolution No. 209 proposes that the appropriate committee look into the following issues:

1. The cause and circumstances of the fire, including any negligence or violations of safety protocols by the owner, operator, crew, or any other party involved in the operation of the vessel;

2. The adequacy and effectiveness of the safety measures, equipment, and protocols of the vessel and the shipping company in ensuring the safety and security of the passengers and crew;

3. The compliance of the vessel and the shipping company with relevant laws, regulations, and standards on maritime safety and security, including those promulgated by the Bangsamoro Government and the national government;

4. The immediate and long-term impacts of the incident on the survivors, the families of the victims, the environment, and the local economy, and the appropriate measures that the government should undertake to mitigate and address these impacts;

5. The policy and legislative measures that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority should propose or enact to enhance the safety and security of sea transportation within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including the regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of safety standards and the provision of support and assistance to the victims and survivors of maritime accidents.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown, and there is a need to investigate the incident to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Pursuant to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government has the authority and responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of the people, including those who use the transportation systems in the region for their livelihood and daily activities,” the resolution read.

Mawallil also posted on his Facebook page a purported statement of Aleson Shipping Lines. It urged the Bangsamoro regional government to immediately respond and provide for the needs of the victims’ families.

“We urge the Cabinet of the Bangsamoro Government to immediately respond and provide for the needs of the families of those who were lost in this tragedy, as well as the needs of those who were injured and still seeking medical care,” it said, adding, it has started to reach out to the victims and their families to ascertain how it could be of assistance to them.

“We grieve with the families of those lost in the tragic ferry fire in the waters near Basilan last March 29. We grieve especially for our Moro brethren who were lost. That this happened during the holy month of Ramadan only adds to our sorrow. Our people have plied these waters for millennia, and so such an occurrence begs painful questions: How could this have happened? Who is responsible? And how can we prevent it from happening again? We await the results of the ongoing investigation for the answers to these questions,” it said. (Mindanao Examiner)