SEARCH FOR VICTIMS. Philippine Coast Guard personnel search for possible missing passengers of M/B Aya Express at the Laguna Lake on July 28. Senator Grace Poe on Monday (July 31, 2023) filed a resolution seeking to determine accountability for the July 27 tragedy and to find out whether maritime regulations have been followed. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – Senator Grace Poe on Monday filed a resolution seeking to investigate the capsizing of MB Aya Express off the waters of Binangonan, Rizal which resulted in the death of 27 individuals.
In filing Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 704, Poe said those responsible for the death of the 27 individuals and the trauma of the 43 rescued victims should be held accountable for this incident.
"This tragedy revealed serious maritime safety compliance lapses that need to be revisited to determine whether the regulations are insufficient to provide and ensure safe voyage of individuals at sea or whether there is simply complacency in the implementation," she said.
Poe said the operator, shipowner, and boat captain could be held liable if reports of overloading, as well as statements from surviving passengers on the lack of life vests would be proven true.
She said the Philippine Coast Guard could also face liability if it is proven to have failed in monitoring the number of passengers boarding the boat; validate the truthfulness of the manifest; and consider the harsh weather conditions despite the absence of a storm signal.
"We will find also out if Marina (Maritime Industry Authority) did its job of inspecting the vessels and equipment on board to ensure compliance with safety standards," Poe added.
She also reiterated the need for a National Transport Safety Board which shall independently investigate land, air and sea accidents and incidents, determine probable causes, and issue safety recommendations and studies to prevent its recurrence.
The MB Aya Express incident is the second maritime disaster this year after the recorded 8-hour ferry fire in Basilan in March 2023 which caused the death of 33 people. (PNA)
