DPWH ordered to file raps vs. vessel owner
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to file necessary charges against the owner of M/T Damar, the ship that hit the Marcelo Fernan Bridge last March 10.
“The bridge is not built to be rammed. Can you imagine now the anguish of the Cebuanos as to the real score of the bridge after the incident? Pabayron gyud na nato sila,” said the governor, who is also the chairwoman of the Mactan Bridge Management Board.
After their initial inspections, authorities from the Coast Guard, the Marina and the DPWH found no signs of major damage on the surface, but the board agreed not to take chances make a more thorough study.
But Garcia said even if the bridge has no physical damage, DPWH, as a party-in-interest, should still file charges against the shipping company for recovery of exemplary damages or even incidental expenses incurred in checking the status of the bridge.
The governor said that this should serve as a warning to all vessels passing through the structure to make sure that they are seaworthy and their crew must be duly licensed or competent enough to man a ship.
Garcia said that she heard that the ship was manned by a different captain at the time of the incident and that the navigation equipment was not functioning well. This is now the subject of an investigation.
The Damar was carrying molasses on its way to Cagayan de Oro City when it hit the substructure of the
Coast Guard-7 chief Edmund Tan said the ship was having engine problems and left the Mactan Channel without informing them of the incident.
Maritime Industry Authority-7 director Glenn Cabanez already issued a suspension order on the vessel, which has already been impounded by the Cagayan de Oro Coast Guard. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP
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