Two survivors of the MV June Aster fire in waters off Coron, Palawan, said they no longer want to travel aboard ships or boats following the traumatic incident last September.
During a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) hearing on alleged violations by Atienza Shipping Lines, survivors Gaspar Dagsa and Jeffrey Tagle recounted the lasting impact of their experience.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma Tolentino asked Tagle whether he believed they should be compensated for the trauma they suffered. Tagle replied, “Oo, dapat doon po kasi yung experience ko kasi masyadong hirap.”
Tolentino then asked Dagsa if he was still willing to board a ship or even a boat. Dagsa responded, “Ayaw ko na, sir.”
When asked whether the other survivors also no longer wanted to board vessels, Dagsa said he could not speak for them, adding, “Pero ako po, ayaw ko na.”
The DOLE hearing is part of the agency’s proceedings into alleged labor violations involving Atienza Shipping Lines following the MV June Aster fire.
