MANILA -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Eastern Visayas district commander Captain Pedro Tinampay was ordered relieved from his post on Tuesday, days after the sinking of M/B Kim Nirvana-B in Ormoc City.
Commander Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Public Affairs chief, said PCG commandant Admiral Rodolfo Isorena issued the order on Tuesday afternoon after the death toll from the sea tragedy rose to 61.
Tinampay will be temporarily assigned to the receiving station of the PCG Manila Station while a team from the Maritime Safety Service Command (MSSC) under Rear Admiral Luis Tuazon Jr. is investigating the incident.
"It's part of our standard operating procedures. Since may investigation na ongoing ngayon, Captain Tinampay was relieved temporarily as Eastern Visayas chief," said Balilo.
Balilo said earlier that the number of passengers has exceeded the actual capacity of the vessel, which could only accommodate up to 178 persons.
Based on the actual tally of casualties and survivors, a total of 201 passengers and crew were aboard the passenger boat. Of the number, 140 survived the accident, while 61 were confirmed dead.
Balilo said that only 173 persons were listed in the passenger manifest submitted to the PCG by the ship captain, Warren Oliverio. He said that aside from the passengers, 16 crew members were also aboard the vessel.
Balilo said the actual count of the survivors and casualties did not match.
He said the maritime law enforcement agency will not tolerate anyone, including their own officials and personnel, from liabilities if the investigation will later reveal that they have committed lapses.
"Definitely, wala tayong sasantuhin. Kung sa amin ang may mali, well, cases will be definitely filed, particularly those who are in-charge especially the boarding team," said Balilo.
Coast Guard Station Ormoc City commander Lieutenant Senior Grade John Anasco, and the two members of the vessel boarding team, namely, Seaman second-class Fidel Blanco and Apprentice Seaman Jonas Sabado, were relieved from their respective posts after the incident.
Blanco and Sabado allegedly allowed the vessel to sail despite being overloaded.
Balilo said they are also looking ar the possibility that the vessel is overloaded with cargo since 160 sacks of cement were recovered after the incident, contrary to the 80 sacks declared in the manifest.
Meanwhile, the House committee on transportation is set to conduct its own probe into the latest maritime accident. (Sunnex)