Zamboanga mayor denies meddling in boat mishap

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February 3, 2026 | 12:00am

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — After confirming that his wife is an incorporator of Aleson Shipping Lines, which owned and operated the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3, Mayor Khymer Olaso yesterday denied meddling in the case, as he urged the shipping firm to take full accountability over the maritime incident.

Olaso, in a briefing at the city hall, allayed the public’s fears that he might influence the investigation of the mishap, which led to the death of at least 42 people as of yesterday’s count.

“Accountability and the rule of law will always take precedence over any other interest. I will never interfere in the investigation, never ever. I take no personal interest in this case,” Olaso said.

He confirmed that he once worked for Aleson as a ship captain and as an operations manager.

“When I entered public service and ran as barangay kagawad (councilor) in 2019, I left the company. I ceased to be part of Aleson Shipping Lines and have not worked with them since,” Olaso said, stressing that his “duty is to the people and not to any private interest.”

He called on national authorities, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority and other agencies to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the Jan. 26 incident.

“All investigations, assessments and regulatory actions must be handled strictly by the appropriate national agencies and independent authorities, in accordance with existing laws and procedures,” he said.

Olaso added that Aleson has a responsibility and obligation to the survivors, as well as to the families of the missing and deceased crewmembers and passengers.

As of noon yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had recovered two more bodies off Baluk-Baluk in Basilan, bringing the number of fatalities to 42 people. The number of survivors remains at 316.

Meanwhile, the PCG rescued 128 of 225 passengers aboard ML AS Express 2, which experienced steering and rudder problems on its way to Zamboanga from Sulu yesterday.

The PCG said it deployed the BRP Tubbataha to remove AS Express 2 from shallow waters off Pangasahan Island in Basilan and tow the vessel to its destination.

It added that 82 of the passengers opted to stay on the troubled vessel with its crew.