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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
January 28, 2026 | 5:29pm
This handout photo from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) taken and received on January 26, 2026 shows survivors of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 being transferred to another ship in waters off Basilan province.
Philippine Coast Guard via AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Families of victims in the Basilan boat tragedy are guaranteed P200,000 in compensation, according to an official of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
At least 18 people were reported dead after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the waters off Basilan on Monday, January 26. More than 300 passengers were rescued, while 10 remain missing.
Emmanuel Carpio, chief of MARINA’s Office of the Deputy Administrator for Operations, said survivors have received emergency assistance worth P50,000 each, as provided under the insurance policy.
"Sa mga namatay is P200,000," Carpio said during a hearing at the Senate Committee on Public Services.
To this Sen. Raffy Tulfo responded: "Is that the worth of a human life?"
Tulfo said P200,000 may not even cover the full costs of a funeral, nor damages if the victim was a family breadwinner.
Carpio agreed that the amount was low and said the policy needs revisiting.
Probe and past incidents. MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard said they have launched an in-depth investigation into the sinking.
Aleson Shipping Lines, which owns the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, has been involved in several maritime incidents prior to the latest incident.
In 2023, its MV Lady Mary Joy 3 tragedy in 2023 when caught fire while traveling the same route as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3. At least 33 people died in the tragedy.
