The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the suspension of all passenger vessels operated by Aleson Shipping Lines following the sinking of the roll-on/roll-off ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilans’s waters. At least 18 people died and several others unaccounted for. Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday, DOTr acting secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move was meant to prevent similar incidents while authorities determine what caused the disaster. “Ngayon ina-announce din namin, we are grounding the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines,” Lopez said.

Co, A. S. (2026, January 28). DOTR halts Aleson fleet, launches safety audit after Basilan ferry tragedy. Panay News, p. 9.