Officials of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in Western Visayas were “no shows” in the legislative inquiry conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Guimaras on Aug 14, 2019 to shed light on the Iloilo Strait tragedy that claimed 31 lives last Aug 3. Survivors of three ill-fated pump boats – Motor Bancas Chi-Chi, Keziah, and Jenny Vince – pointed out lapses committed by the PCG, especially during the rescue operations hours after the triple capsizing incidents. Guimaras Vice Governor John Edward Gando confirmed in a phone interview on Wednesday that only the survivors of the tragedy, pump boat association officers, and other key provincial officials attended the legislative inquiry in aid of legislation.

Santiagudo, E. R. (2019, August 15). PCG, Marina 'no shows': survivors blame Coast Guard for tragedy. Daily Guardian, pp. 1, 14.