A desperate search continued Monday in the dark waters off Basilan after a passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank before dawn, leaving at least 18 confirmed dead and dozens still missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a 44-meter, triple-deck passenger-cargo vessel, sent out a distress call at around 1:50 a.m., roughly four hours after departing Zamboanga City at about 9:20 p.m. Sunday for Jolo, Sulu.

Lacson, N. E. (2026, January 27). Ferry sinks off Basilan; 18 dead, dozens missing. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.