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4 Enlisted Personnel Dismissed After MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinks
Photo credit: PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has released its official decision on the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on February 24, 2026, following a thorough investigation by the Coast Guard Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service (CGIG-IAS).
The investigation found several personnel responsible for lapses that contributed to the tragedy. As a result, the PCG has handed down the following sanctions:
• Dismissal without honor for four enlisted personnel in the Pre-Departure Inspection (PDI) Team — PO1 Sabhal Turaini, PO3 Khalid Asmawil, PO3 Al-Yazar Muyong, and ASW Mar-Iya Anawie — for failing to independently verify the actual number of passengers and properly document the ship’s “load line markings,” crucial steps to ensure safe sailing.
• One-rank demotion for PO3 Jestoni Barretto, Duty Office Watch, for inadequate caution and performance of his duties.
• One-year suspension without pay for LCDR Tristan Jener Erediano and LT Jason Pagbonocan, Station Commander and Acting Station Commander in Zamboanga, respectively. Both are also required to undergo mandatory retraining on proper ship inspection standards, effective supervision of PDI teams, and operational management.
“By issuing this decision, the PCG reiterates that it will not tolerate any violation of maritime safety standards,” said Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson. “We will continue strengthening our inspection mechanisms, supervision, and personnel training to ensure public safety at sea and in public service.”
Captain Cayabyab added that while the PCG Technical Diving Group’s underwater operations were scheduled to conclude today, February 26, 2026, affected families can expect continued patrolling, coordination with local fishermen, and cooperation with authorities to ensure justice and improve maritime public transportation.
The investigation found several personnel responsible for lapses that contributed to the tragedy. As a result, the PCG has handed down the following sanctions:
• Dismissal without honor for four enlisted personnel in the Pre-Departure Inspection (PDI) Team — PO1 Sabhal Turaini, PO3 Khalid Asmawil, PO3 Al-Yazar Muyong, and ASW Mar-Iya Anawie — for failing to independently verify the actual number of passengers and properly document the ship’s “load line markings,” crucial steps to ensure safe sailing.
• One-rank demotion for PO3 Jestoni Barretto, Duty Office Watch, for inadequate caution and performance of his duties.
• One-year suspension without pay for LCDR Tristan Jener Erediano and LT Jason Pagbonocan, Station Commander and Acting Station Commander in Zamboanga, respectively. Both are also required to undergo mandatory retraining on proper ship inspection standards, effective supervision of PDI teams, and operational management.
“By issuing this decision, the PCG reiterates that it will not tolerate any violation of maritime safety standards,” said Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson. “We will continue strengthening our inspection mechanisms, supervision, and personnel training to ensure public safety at sea and in public service.”
Captain Cayabyab added that while the PCG Technical Diving Group’s underwater operations were scheduled to conclude today, February 26, 2026, affected families can expect continued patrolling, coordination with local fishermen, and cooperation with authorities to ensure justice and improve maritime public transportation.
Feb 26, 2026
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