THE transportation problem of Talim island residents in Binangonan, Rizal has become serious and complicated with the burgeoning population of the place, which is increasing steadily through the years. Islanders have to commute every day from Talim to mainland Binangonan for various errands and activities, and the usually placid lake is historically known to have attacks of strong gusts of wind called “daluyong.”
The Filipinos’ sense of nonchalance (“bahala na,” “pabaya”) is most pronounced in matters of travel: riding a motor banca, bicycle, or motorcycle, believing that the misfortune waiting to happen would not occur today and not to them.
The tragic capsizing of a passenger boat in Laguna Lake that killed 27 near Talim island is now the subject of another Senate investigation, and authorities involved in maritime, port, and town matters will reportedly be called to testify. In particular, Sen. Raffy Tulfo wants the probe to focus on the accountability of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
A survivor of the tragedy last Thursday recounted to radio announcers that the Aya Express was festooned with large pieces of tarpaulin on both sides to ward off the rain. When the boat tilted because of strong wind and waves, these tarpaulin contraptions caught the strong winds the wrong way, and prevented people from leaving the boat. He was just lucky to see an opening of light from below the water, saving his own life. He also said that life vests were used by passengers only when Coast Guard personnel are around, but there was no one from the PCG that day.
‘We have enough laws and ordinances governing safety in the sea transport sector but what we need is strict compliance and monitoring by the authorities.’
So-called “first responders” from the local government units (the town of Binangonan and nearby barangays) were minutes late as half of the boat quickly submerged into the lake. Only small fishermen in the area were available to render whatever assistance they could muster, with the maritime authorities joining the rescue effort later.
The Binangonan lake disaster is not the first, and mostly likely will not be the last to happen in Laguna de Bay or in the country, as the Philippines is an archipelagic nation with a very long coastline.
Investigations and filing of charges against persons perceived to be responsible for these sea mishaps have become an ordinary process in the government. Senator Tulfo, however, is perplexed as to why only crew or vessel owners had been made accountable or criminally charged in past maritime accidents. He said not anyone from Marina or the Coast Guard has ever been punished for culpability in maritime catastrophes.
Tulfo said: “The PCG inspector assigned to that port should be the first to be charged; and next the PCG supervisor for command responsibility.” Going further, he said he would look into the possibility that PCG personnel had been bribed to allow the vessel to sail.
Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, will most likely lead the probe. She has filed Resolution No. 704 that underscores the need to revise maritime safety compliance.
We have enough laws and ordinances governing safety in the sea transport sector but what we need is strict compliance and monitoring by the authorities.
