The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula has provided ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes and psychosocial support to 137 survivors of the capsized MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday (January 26) directed FO 9 Regional Director (RD) Riduan Hajimuddin to continue assessing the situation and prepare for additional aid needed, including medical assistance for injured passengers and burial support for families who lost their loved ones at sea.
Secretary Gatchalian also ordered RD Riduan to ready the DSWD’s financial assistance alongside with the ongoing psychosocial intervention for the rescued passengers.
“The DSWD, through our Field Office 9, continues to closely monitor the maritime incident involving MV Trisha Kerstin 3. As part of our immediate response, the 137 rescued individuals are being provided with Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Isabela City, Basilan to meet their urgent needs,” the DSWD chief said in a social media post.
Social workers from the DSWD FO 9 were immediately mobilized to assist the 137 rescued passengers following a maritime incident involving the RoRo (Rollon-Rolloff) MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank while en route to Jolo, Sulu in the early hours of Monday.
“Our Quick Response Team (QRT) is on the ground, assisting in assessing and profiling affected families. The DSWD remains ready to provide additional relief and support in coordination with other responding agencies,” Secretary Gatchalian emphasized.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. after MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping, encountered trouble approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.
The vessel departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday (January 25) and carried more than 300 passengers and crew members based on official records.
The DSWD’s FO 9, in close coordination with the concerned local government units (LGUs), activated the emergency response measures to address the immediate needs of survivors.
According to reports from the City Government of Isabela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded 223 survivors currently staying at the Isabela City Port in Basilan. At least 23 individuals were transported to the Basilan Medical Center for medical treatment.
The DSWD’s FO 9 remains on heightened alert as it continues to closely coordinate with partner agencies to ensure timely delivery of assistance to all affected. (KI)
