MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to allow other shipping companies that meet safety standards to operate on routes previously served by Aleson Shipping Lines, following the suspension of the company’s vessels.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that while Aleson Shipping Line remained grounded and undergoes a comprehensive safety audit by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Marina, passenger travel must continue without disruption.
Special permits have been issued for routes from Zamboanga City to Isabela City, Siasi and Jolo in Sulu, and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, as well as for trips between Pulauan, Dapitan City and Dumaguete City, and between Dumaguete City to Siquijor and Larena. Permits for the route connecting Zamboanga and Lamitan City are also expected to be granted on Thursday. Most of these routes are already served by commercial vessels, except for Lamitan and Bongao.
The PCG assured the public that it was ready to provide free transport should there be a shortage of commercial ships.
“If there’s a gap in available commercial transport due to the Aleson audit and inspections, the PCG will deploy its 44-meter vessels to carry affected passengers at no cost,” said Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesman .
Search and rescue operations in Basilan have been intensified, with technical divers and remotely operated vehicles deployed to assist in locating the missing.
To date, 316 passengers have been rescued, 18 were confirmed dead, and 10 remain missing.
Marina has also set up help desks for Aleson Shipping Lines passengers to ensure that victims receive prompt assistance and can quickly file insurance claims.
