MANILA — January 28, 2026 — The Department of Transportation confirmed that Aleson Shipping Lines, based in Zamboanga City, has recorded 32 maritime incidents over the past seven years, including two deadly disasters. 

The latest occurred on January 26 when MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, claiming at least 18 lives and leaving 10 others missing.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the immediate grounding of Aleson’s passenger fleet, citing the company’s troubling safety record. “We are grounding the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines. Maritime safety is not optional,” Lopez said in a press briefing.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have been ordered to conduct a full maritime safety audit of Aleson’s vessels and crew. Authorities are investigating whether lapses in safety protocols contributed to the Basilan tragedy.

Records show that Aleson Shipping Lines has long been a major player in inter-island transport in Mindanao and the Visayas, operating routes between Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. However, its history of accidents has raised concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in the domestic shipping industry.

Survivors of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 recounted that the vessel began taking on water shortly after leaving Zamboanga City en route to Jolo, Sulu. Rescue operations were hampered by rough seas, though the PCG managed to save dozens of passengers. The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety standards, particularly for older vessels operating in challenging waters.

The DOTr emphasized that accountability will be determined not only for shipowners but also for government regulators tasked with ensuring compliance. Lopez said, “We must hold all parties accountable, whether government or shipowners, to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”

The grounding of Aleson’s fleet is expected to disrupt travel and trade in Western Mindanao, where the company has been a dominant operator. Authorities are now working to provide alternative transport options for affected passengers while the investigation continues.

This latest disaster underscores the urgent need for reforms in the Philippine maritime sector, where aging fleets, lax enforcement, and repeated accidents continue to put lives at risk.

Image from Nimajned Gnias