The tragedy that struck Talim Island residents in Binangonan, Rizal on July 27 has resulted in the implementation of new measures to prevent a repeat of the incident.
Among the new policies imposed by the Philippine Coast Guard Substation in Binangonan are the separation of bulk cargoes from the passengers, and the fare increase for both passengers and cargoes.
On the Facebook page, Taga Isla Talim Island Ako, netizens have posted comments opposing the measures, claiming that the guidelines would be another burden on their shoulders.
A netizen claimed that boat fare was increased from P50 to P65 per passenger and that kids are no longer free.
Coast Guard personnel are reportedly banning sacks of rice to be ferried on passenger boats but are allowed to be transported on a separate boats intended only for cargoes.
The fare for a 50-kilo sack of rice, which used to cost P20 before, has increased to P50 to P65, according to the post of one netizen.
In another comment on the same social media page, a netizen said bamboo sofa sets which are handcrafted by Talim Island residents were not permitted to be transported on passenger boats from the island villages to Binangonan port.
Only hand carry bags that are not bulky are allowed to go with the passengers on the same boat, according to the netizens.
On Monday, July 31, Association of Barangay Chairmen president Henry Arambulo, who is also an ex-officio member of the Binangonan’s Sangguniang Bayan, and other local government unit agencies including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), met with Mayor Cesar Ynares to discuss the new measures that the island villagers have to follow after the recent boat tragedy in Laguna Lake that claimed the lives of 27 passengers.
Municipal Administrator Russel Ynares told Manila Bulletin that Mayor Ynares has assured the residents that the municipal government is listening to their appeals and that measures and suggestions are being studied by local authorities.
For the meantime, Administrator Ynares said the local government will commission several boats to transport the cargoes of the islanders from the mainland to the island villagers for at least one week without any charge on the part of the owners.
Hernandez said the Coast Guard has informed the municipal government that it has also imposed a new guideline banning the boat travel whenever there is a gale warning from the weather bureau.
Around 2 p.m. on July 31, heavy rains and strong winds were experienced in Binangonan, prompting Coast Guard authorities to temporarily suspend the boat travel.
(Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
As of July 31, the MDRRMO tallied 27 fatalities and 41 survivors in the MB Aya Express sinking.
Police said charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide were set to be filed against the boat skipper and its owner.
The Maritime Industry Authority has also suspended the boat’s passenger safety certificate following the incident.
Two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard were relieved over the boat tragedy.
The provincial government and the local government unit of Binangonan have extended financial assistance to the victims of the tragedy.