PCG personnel sacked, demoted after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

February 26, 2026 | 4:27pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday, February 26, said it has fired and demoted several personnel following the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people.  

The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off the waters of Basilan in January. The tragedy triggered a probe into the operations of the ship’s owner, the Aleson Shipping Lines, as well as the government personnel who oversaw safety measures for the trip. 

The PCG said that the Pre-Departure Inspection Team was sacked, namely PO1 Sabhal Turaini, PO3 Khalid Asmawil, PO3 Al-Yazar Muyong and ASW Mar-Iya Anawie. 

The PCG said that they failed to independently verify the actual number of people onboard and the proper documentation of the load line markings. 

 PO3 Jestoni Barretto, who was the duty office watch, had also been demoted one rank due to insufficient vigilance over his duties. 

Lastly, CDR Tristan Jener Erediano and LT Jason Pagbonocan, who were respectively the station commander and acting station commander, were suspended for one year without pay. The two of them were also directed to have a mandatory retraining in the proper supervision of their team. 

The PCG said that it was not shielding its own personnel from accountability.