Marina suspends franchise of Bicol shipping company

LEGAZPI CITY — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has temporarily suspended the franchise of the Lobrigo Shipping Lines to answer charges for the sinking of M/B Mae Ann 5 last Friday, which left 28 people dead.

Seven of the fatalities are still unidentified. Eighteen passengers survived the tragedy.

Marina regional director Lucita Madarang said Lobrigo’s certificate of public convenience is temporarily suspended until the case is settled.

Marina has directed the Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority to implement its order.

Together with the Coast Guard, Marina personnel went to Pilar port last Monday to inspect Lobrigo’s four wooded-hulled passenger vessels to find out if they are still safe to ply the Pilar-Sorsogon City route.

Madarang has ordered the captain of M/B Mae Ann 5, who is detained at the Masbate police headquarters, to submit a duly notarized marine protest so Marina and the Coast Guard could start a joint hearing. – Celso Amo