Iloilo Strait tragedy survivors who attended a legislative inquiry in Guimaras expressed disappointment over how the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) handled the search and rescue operations.

Three passenger pumpboats – M/B Chi-Chi, M/B Keziah, and M/B Jenny Vince – capsized in Iloilo Strait on Aug. 3. The sea mishap claimed 31 lives.

The survivors believed that the number of casualties could have been lower if PCG personnel became more competent in responding to the capsizing incidents.

Rocill Responso, one of the survivors, said she struggled for almost an hour to save herself inside the upturned boat.

“Mga one hour kami nga nagtuktok sa idalom sang nagkulob nga motorbanca,” she recalled.

Resposo was among the 38 passengers of M/B Jenny Vince, the third boat that flipped over after being hit by “pugada” (squall). 

Jenny Vince was bound for Iloilo City from Buenavista, Guimaras. 

“Damo kami sa sulod nga natrap. Kon nagdugay pagid ang pagrescue basi patay naman ako subong,” Resposo said.

“Ang iban nasuffocate sa aso. May krudo pa kag asayte nga naglapta sa sulod,” she added.

Resposo was saved after rescuers bore a hole to pull the trapped passengers out of the boat. She was brought to a hospital in Iloilo City.

Maria Nieves Grandiza, also a survivor, cried for justice for her long-time partner Romeo Baguio Jr., their three-year-old son Jay Arvien and seven other members of their family.

“Tani kon ginpahigad to dali dali ang motorbanca nga Jenny Vince basi may tendency pa nga makasurvive sila sa dalum,” she said.

From Cebu, Romeo and his seven relatives went to Guimaras to formally ask Maria Nieves’ hand in marriage.

M/B Jenny Vince was found in Naluoyan Port in Dumangas town, Iloilo on Aug. 4, a day after it overturned. Eleven lifeless bodies were found inside.

Survivors from M/B Chi-Chi also recounted their experiences.

Charry Edang said she was lucky because she was able to sit on top of the capsized boat.

“Wala ako una nakulbaan pagkulob kay ara ako sa ibabaw kag nabatian ko nga may nagpanuktok sa dalom sang motorbanca. Indi man kami kahibalo kon ano himuon namon,” she recalled. 

“Ginkulbaan lang ako sang sobra 30 minutos kag wala dyapon responde. Tani kon dasig ang rescuers, ang ara sa dalom buhi pa,” Edang lamented.

Reyjand Guisantao and Eriberto Guyos also lambasted the delayed rescue operations. 

“Pag-abot nila ginpanghabuyan lang nila kami salbabida. Ang iban nagpicture picture lang,” Guisantao said.

But he praised one of the rescuers who exerted effort to save the passengers.

“Ang pinakagamay sa ila gin-uba niya iya uniform kag sapatos. Nagbulig sya sa crew members sang pumpboat pangkuot sang mga nabilin sa idalom.”

Guyos, a former firefighter, said they were expecting that rescuers would arrive immediately to save them.

According to Al Salazar, a seafarer, the passengers panicked when when huge waves and strong winds hit their boat.

“Nagpanick sila tapos nagmove sila sa other side. Ang pumpboat na-out of balance kag nagkulob,” he said.

Meanwhile, SPO1 Jonathan Magan, also a passenger of the ill-fated boat, said he was saddened by the absence of PCG and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) officials during the legislative inquiry conducted by the Sagguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Guimaras on Aug. 14.

“Tani naklaruhan kita. Mabatian ta man ila explanation,” he said.

M/B Chi-Chi and M/B Keziah were bound for Jordan, Guimaras from Iloilo City. Chi-Chi had 45 passengers and four crew members while Keziah had four crew members and no passengers. 

Vice Governor John Edward Gando said they sent formal invitations to PCG and MARINA.

“Indi na kami mamati sa ila. Last na ni nga patawag sa ila,” he said.

The provincial government, according to Gando, will file administrative charges against PCG and MARINA personnel.

On August 7, the country’s transportation department relieved six officials of PCG and MARINA from their posts.

“I want them immediately relieved from their posts so we can give way to a more thorough and impartial investigation,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade

“If they are found negligent, we will make sure that necessary criminal charges will be filed against 

them.”IMT