THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is investigating why two ships slammed into the Batangas port at the height of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s onslaught to determine if anyone should be held liable for the incident.
PPA assistant general manager for operations Mark Jon Palomar, in a briefing in Malacanang yesterday, said the anchor of Super Shuttle 2 broke, the reason why strong waves slammed it into the port.
The other ship, MT Cassandra, seized by the Bureau of Customs last week, was tied to the dock as per protocols during storms. It had been previously cleared to be moved to another location before the onslaught of Kristine.
Palomar said it was discovered that the captain of the Super Shuttle 2 was missing while Cassandra was “completely unmanned.”
“It was reported and when they were looking for the captain, he was not on the vessel (Super Shuttle 2), which is a violation of our regulations. We are currently conducting an investigation on this and proper charges will be filed,” he said.
He said a similar investigation is being done in connection with MT Cassandra to determine the “liabilities of individuals involved.”
Cassandra was seized by the Bureau of Customs, in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, for alleged fuel smuggling activities.
Palomar said three ports in Bicol, namely, the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon, the Port of Pio Duran in Albay and PPPA base port in Legazpi, were damaged at the height of Kristine.
He said the extent of the damage and repairs are still being assessed but believes the damage was not grave enough to merit the total closure of the three ports.
