Keppel suspends operations pending probe

MANILA, Philippines - A Singaporean-owned ship repair facility in Zambales has temporarily suspended its operations while investigation into an accident, which killed at least six of its workers, is ongoing.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) spokesman Nicon Fameronag said Keppel Subic Shipyard Inc. voluntered the temporary suspension of its operations also to be able to give full assistance to affected workers.

“Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz upon learning of the accident has immediately ordered an investigation and possible closure of the affected unit, but the company voluntarily shut down its operations in the affected unit prior to the directive,” Fameronag said.

He added that the workers assigned in the affected unit will continue to receive their regular salaries, even though it has stopped operations.

Baldoz ordered a team from the DOLE-regional office in Pampanga to investigate the accident and recommend remedial measures to prevent another tragedy.

Labor Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte said the investigation is expected to be finished within the week.

Initial investigation showed that the accident occurred at the stern ramp of M/V Tombarra, which is undergoing repair in the drydock.

“The initial report indicated that the fabricated tower support where the stern ramp was rested collapsed, triggering the stern ramp wire rope to break, thus causing the ramp to fall,” Fameronag said.

The Associated Labor Unions (ALU) has called on DOLE to conduct an immediate investigation into the accident to avoid a cover-up and forewarn other companies not to ignore safety standards in workplaces.