Senator Raffy Tulfo described the sinking of the Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters as tragic, which left at least 18 passengers dead and 10 others still missing.

Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said the suspension of operations of Aleson Shipping Lines—the owner of the ill-fated vessel—is not enough, stressing that criminal liability and possible imprisonment should be pursued. He questioned why the company’s ships were still allowed to operate despite at least 32 reported maritime incidents involving Aleson Shipping.

The vessel was carrying 316 passengers when it sank while traveling from Zamboanga City to Sulu. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said search and rescue operations remain ongoing in the area using modern equipment, according to PCG spokesperson Commodore Oliver Tanseco.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) official Engr. Emmanuel Carpio confirmed that the vessel had passenger insurance coverage. Authorities said emergency assistance amounting to ₱50,000 per passenger and ₱200,000 for each fatality is already being processed.