CEBU, Philippines – The Maritime Industry Authority has started its probe on the owner of the motorized banca that capsized off Cordova town at the height of tropical storm Feria last Tuesday afternoon.
Marina-7 director Glenn Cabañez also ordered an immediate investigation to check if the said motorbanca, the MB Junjun 2, is registered.
The MB Junjun 2 earlier left Bohol for Cebu around 11 a.m. despite having no clearance from the Coast Guard and despite Typhoon Feria raging between Bohol and Cebu.
It capsized due to big waves and powerful winds around 3 p.m. in the Hilutungan Channel.
Fourteen people survived more than 13 hours holding on to a rope tied to the capsized boat until they were rescued early morning of Wednesday.
It was also reported that Superferry 12 passed them but its crew failed to spot them.
Cabañez said he will determine also why the boat ferried passengers when it was supposed to be just a fishing boat.
Cornelio Albura Jr., owner of the MB Junjun 2, admitted that his motorbanca was not supposed to ferry passengers but they pressed him to take them to Lapu-Lapu City because one of them was trying to catch a flight at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
If proven at fault by the investigation, appropriate charges and sanctions will be imposed as well as revoking the license of the owner. — Johanna T. Natavio/BRP (THE FREEMAN)