It really is disappointing to note that, despite its being an archipelago, the Philippines has no real shipbuilding industry to speak of. Even more disappointing is its maritime safety record.
Just yesterday, two ships sank in the waters off Zamboanga and Eastern Samar. Nine persons died in the sinking of Super Ferry Nine. It could have been worse as the ship was carrying more than 950 passengers. Two ships in one day. Are we gunning for another Guiness World Record? Seriously, the frequency of maritime disasters in this country is already more than just a cause for concern.
I’m pretty sure we have maritime laws. I am also sure these laws mandate some form of regulation by the government and strict compliance by shipping companies with some sort of safety standard. But, at the rate things are going, the Philippine government might as well ban itself from handling maritime concerns while local shipping companies may want to consider shifting to another line of business preferably something that doesn’t involve machinery and any motorized means of conveyance.
Of course, we can all be sure overloading and poor maintenance will come up again as the most likely reasons for these latest sea mishaps. Same old story.
In one of his recent posts, PinoyBuzz wrote that we should all just junk our assumptions that we can travel around the country safely. If we’re talking about boarding a ship that will travel in open waters I’d say forget it.
I would go so far as saying that there are NO MARITIME ACCIDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
You see accidents happen once in a while and perhaps for reasons that cannot be traced to negligence.
But when something untoward happens every year for similar reasons, then it is a sure sign that IT IS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AT POPULATION CONTROL.
[Reply]