MISHAP OR PREVENTABLE DISASTER? Guimaras awaits answers a year after sea tragedy

Questions of Guimarasnons on whether the Iloilo Strait tragedy was just a mishap or a disaster that could have been prevented remain unanswered a year after three passenger boats capsized in Iloilo Strait and killed 31 people.

Two motorized boats, MB Chi-Chi and MB Keziah capsized due to strong winds as it was plying from Parola Wharf in Iloilo City to Jordan, Guimaras at around 12:15 p.m. of August 3, 2019.

A few hours after the incident happened, authorities allowed another motorbanca, MB Jenny Vince to ply from San Buenavista, Guimaras to Iloilo. But by 3:30 p.m., it capsized due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Authorities pointed to a “squall” or a strong, sudden gush of wind at sea as the one responsible in the three boats capsizing.

Among the first rescuers were crew members of motor bancas docked at the wharves in Guimaras.

The search and rescue operations of authorities headed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy, and other volunteer groups dragged on for four days, but they only managed to save 53 passengers from the three motorboats. The other 31 passengers died.

Testimonies of the victims indicated that many passengers were trapped beneath the MB Jenny Vince’s wooden hull and tarpaulin.

The survivors also testified that PCG personnel who responded lacked equipment and resources and could not manage to break through the wooden hull, leaving many of the passengers trapped.

 

A LETTER FROM THE SEA 

Maggie Cacho, 50-year-old resident of Barangay Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras re-echoed questions on the tragedy that has left a huge mark on the residents of Guimaras.

In her now viral Facebook post, Cacho recalled the tragedy as she vented out anger and frustration against “people who were responsible for a tragedy that could have been avoided”.

“When news of the three capsized pumpboats spread all over the island, there was sadness and pause, there were many tears and unanswered questions. But moreover, l cannot forget the anger and frustration l had towards the people who were responsible for a tragedy that could have been avoided,” Cacho shared.

For Cacho, it was never an accident but a direct result of blatant ignorance and carelessness of authorities.

“Mind you…. They called it an ‘accident’. Whereas l truly believe it should have been designated as a direct result of blatant ignorance and carelessness in the strictest terms,” she said.

Cacho said the incident is more than a wake-up call for authorities and the local government unit (LGU) to prioritize the safety of the riding public as well as the preparedness of responding agencies in terms of weather and sea travel.

“The safety of the riding public must be of utmost priority, and should never be compromised. As well as common sense and preparedness on the part of the authorities in terms of weather, sea travel worthiness of boats and other protocols,” she furthered.

Guimaras Vice Governor John Edward Gando shared Cacho’s sentiments.

According to Gando, the incident showed that there is a need to reassess the logistics of the concerned agencies handling response, especially PCG.

“Sa akon panan-awan dako pa ang iimprove sang ginasaligan ta nga ahensya nga may obligation to secure lives. Ginalantaw naton nga indi satisfactory ang nangin performance nila sang amo to nga tiyempo,” he said.

After the incident, a maritime casualty investigation was lodged with the national headquarters of the PCG.
Local government units (LGUs) of Iloilo City and the province of Guimaras also initiated their own probes into the incident.

Last year, Gando said the provincial board of Guimaras filed a resolution to investigate the incident and the possible lapses of the authorities.

The resolution also served as basis of Guimaras Representative Cong. Lucille Nava on another resolution she filed at the House of Representatives seeking a separate probe on the tragedy.

“We attended the first committee hearing together with Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin around last quarter of 2019,” Gando said.

The investigation remains pending before the Committee on Transportation.

Meanwhile, the investigation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Guimaras was already finished but Gando said the results were held in abeyance out of respect with the Committee of Transportation in the House of Representatives.

“Galaom kami nga matapos ining pandemya, magapadayon ang imbestigasyon kag they will be true to their commitment nga makadto diri sa Guimaras to see for themselves ang situation to account ang mga testigo sang survivors,” he said.

Meanwhile, for residents like Cacho, they could only hope that authorities have learned their lessons and serious ordinances and investments will be put in place.

“Serious ordinances and investments must go towards this, and l hope without any political agendas. Do it for the people. After all, who are you, without your constituents? To the victims that have perished on that tragic day… I hope and pray that your souls are resting in peace,” she shared.

The provincial government of Guimaras marked the first anniversary of the tragedy on Monday with “Pagbangon”, a virtual ceremony in memory of those who died.

The ceremony began with a virtual mass officiated by Rev. Jose Alex Serania as the COVID-19 pandemic prohibits activities with mass gatherings.

It was followed by the offering of prayers and flowers at the Jordan Wharf and at the McArthur’s Wharf in the Municipality of Buenavista. (ERS)