The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has taken decisive action following the tragic sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, officially dismissing four personnel from the service without honor. The announcement, made on February 26, 2026, follows a month-long investigation into the January 26 disaster off the coast of Basilan that claimed at least 65 lives.
The move is a clear signal from the PCG leadership that negligence regarding maritime safety will carry the heaviest possible price.
The “Failure to Verify”
The four dismissed personnel—PO1 Sabhal Turaini, PO3 Khalid Asmawil, PO3 Al-Yazar Muyong, and ASW Mar-Iya Anawie—comprised the Pre-Departure Inspection (PDI) Team in Zamboanga. According to the Coast Guard Inspector General, the team committed critical operational lapses:
- Inaccurate Manifests: They failed to independently verify the actual number of passengers boarding the vessel, leading to a significant discrepancy between the official list and the actual souls on board.
- Load Line Neglect: The team failed to properly document the ship’s load line markings, a vital safety check to ensure the vessel isn’t sitting too low in the water due to cargo or overcrowding.
Wider Disciplinary Sweep
The “house cleaning” didn’t stop at the inspection team. Several high-ranking and duty officers also faced penalties:
- One-Rank Demotion: PO3 Jestoni Barretto, the Duty Officer of the Watch, was demoted for “lack of due care” during his shift.
- One-Year Suspension: Lt. Cmdr. Tristan Jener Erediano (Station Commander) and Lt. Jason Pagbonocan (Acting Station Commander) were suspended without pay for one year under the principle of command responsibility. Both must also undergo mandatory retraining.
Final Sweep of the Wreck
As the disciplinary news broke, the PCG Technical Diving Group also concluded its final underwater operations at the site of the sinking near Baluk-Baluk Island. After a exhaustive “re-sweep” of all accessible cabins and structural sections, divers confirmed that no more bodies were trapped within the wreckage.
The final toll currently stands at 65 dead, 293 survivors, and 14 still missing. While the physical search of the ship is over, the PCG stated that surface patrols will continue in coordination with local fishermen.
The Philippine Coast Guard has dismissed four personnel without honor following an investigation into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan on January 26, 2026. The personnel were found negligent in verifying passenger counts and load line markings. Additionally, one officer was demoted, and two commanders were suspended for one year. The disaster resulted in 65 confirmed deaths. PCG technical divers have completed their final sweep of the sunken vessel, finding no additional victims.