Defense chief cheats death in near sea mishap

A Navy ship carrying Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and other defense and military officials almost capsized while sailing from the port of Zamboanga City to Basilan the other day.

Nobody was reported hurt.

Navy Capt. Cyrill Carlos told The STAR yesterday The BRP Magat Salamat left the port of Zamboanga City at around 11:30 a.m. Saturday for Basilan island when giant waves hit the ship while sailing on Basilan Straits and almost caused it to overturn.

Carlos said an accident was averted when the Magat Salamat’s skipper, on instructions of Reyes, turned the ship around and returned to Zamboanga City.

Reyes was said to be heading to Basilan for a dialogue with Basilan Gov. Wahab Akbar and Catholic priest Cirilo Nacorda, who had accused certain military officers of conniving with the Abu Sayyaf in the kidnapping of hostages.

Reyes also planned to personally congratulate military officials in Basilan for the rescue of three hostages from the Abu Sayyaf–Vicente Perillo Sr., Vicente Perillo Jr., and Fernando Perillo.

Apart from Reyes, the other passengers were Defense Undersecretary Antonio Santos, Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling, defense department senior military assistant Col. Ike Incierto, Defense Internal Security chief Maj. Ray de Vesa, and 80 other unidentified people.

Some passengers were taken to hospital upon arrival at Zamboanga City port.

Reyes and his men sailed for Basilan island at 2:15 p.m. on the same day. – Christina Mendez