Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has relieved six officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) pending results of a “comprehensive and very objective” investigation on the sinking of three boats in Iloilo Strait that killed 31 people last week. Tugade, who visited the wake of eight fatalities here on Wednesday, told reporters that the investigation would look into the possible “environmental, structural, policy and other reasons” for the accidents. He declined to give details, saying he did not want to preempt the investigation of what was considered by Guimaras residents as the worst sea tragedy in the province in recent memory.

Burgos, N. P. Jr. (2019, August 9). Coat Guard, Marina officials relieved amid sea mishap probe. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A2-4.