No charges for boatman

Despite several violations committed by the skipper and the operator of the motor banca which capsized in Alegria town Wednesday afternoon resulting in the death of three people, the police are not filing criminal charges against them.

In fact, the boatman, Jazreel Bendulo, 23, was already released from police custody yesterday afternoon after the families of the victims expressed no interest to press charges.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena said the families of the three fatalities— Albert Lopez, 24; Rosalyn Peligro, 31; and her sister Ruby, 27—are not interested in filing charges.

“They (family) will not be filing a case against the pump boat driver, just this morning, yung owner ng boat ay pumunta sa police station and nag declare siya na he will not file a case against the suspect or boatman,” Abrugena said.

“We cannot do anything but to release yung pump boat driver as of now. Ngayon in the long run makaisip ang family that they be filing a case, then direct filing will apply,” he added.

Alegria town police chief Senior Insp. Efren Diaz said they have noted several violations committed by the operator and the skipper. Diaz said the boat was overloaded and did not have life jackets.

According to Diaz, the boat was too small to accommodate 15 people. He said it has only a capacity of 10, including the skipper.

" Maliit lang talaga yong bangka at fifteen people nakasakay kasama na yung driver so tendency tatagilid talaga ang pump boat," Diaz said.

"Walang life jacket dahil nga maliit lang yong bangka at personal use lang," he added.

The three fatalities came from a family outing at Batong Malunhaw Resort in Barangay Madridejos and were on their way back to Barangay Filomina when the boat’s engine conked out. While trying to paddle their way to the shore, big waves battered them causing the boat to flip over.

Abrugena pointed out that the fatalities could have been prevented had the rescue came on time.

“Ang nakikita ko is problema sa readiness ng disaster risk, kasi sa ganito talaga is the need ng immediate response,” Abrugena told reporters.

He said that while the police has search and rescue unit but only selected stations were given the needed equipment.

Meanwhile, due to the incident in Alegria, schools are now urged to integrate swimming lessons in physical education classes.

Considering that the Philippines is an archipelago, a Filipino will most likely "meet the sea" and knowing how to swim is a life skill, said Emergency Response Officer Rhafael Luche of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Luche said their office is still coordinating with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to determine what help can the Cebu Provincial Government extend to the families.

Luche advised people planning to go island hopping to check the weather and engine condition before sailing.

Moreover, he said that it is up to the local government units to legislate ordinances which will regulate motorized boats.

— Mae Clydyl L. Avila, Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad, and USJ-R intern Marenyl Bolhano/FPL