Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to suspend the passenger ship safety certificate (PSSC) of MV Virgen De Peñafrancia II after its listing incident at the Port of Real in Quezon on Friday, October 30.

In a formal notice addressed to the ship’s operator, Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc., MARINA Regional Office IV Director Atty. Maximo Barañes Jr. ordered the suspension of the vessel’s PSSC following the incident at around 12:44 AM, causing the ship to become partially submerged on its starboard side.

MARINA cited provisions of Republic Act No. 9295 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Ship Survey System (3S), and relevant MARINA issuances as legal bases for the suspension.

The agency explained that a ship’s PSSC may be suspended when it has been involved in maritime casualties and incidents such as fire, engine derangement, grounding, collision, allision, or striking hard objects, which may call into question the “hull and its integral parts and other affected machineries/appliances.”

“In view thereof, the PSSC of MV Virgen De Peñfrancia II is hereby ordered suspended until further notice from this authority,” the MARINA wrote.

The vessel will undergo a thorough safety inspection and evaluation by a MARINA inspector and surveyor to determine its seaworthiness before the suspension is lifted. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is likewise requested to assist in implementing the order.

In an update, the PCG said it has rescued 58 people, including two infants, following the incident.