Caritas Occidental Mindoro calls for transparent probe into capsizing of vessel in Philippines

Caritas Occidental Mindoro calls for a transparent investigation into the capsizing of the dredging vessel MV Hong Hai 16 off the coast of Rizal town on April 15 that killed at least nine, with two others missing, still the subject of the search and rescue.

The sand carrier overturned about 100 meters off Barangay (village) Malawaan.

The vessel, engaged in a river restoration project in Rizal, was reportedly carrying 25 crew members (13 Filipino and 12 Chinese nationals) when it capsized for reasons yet to be determined. The Philippine Coast Guard reported on April 16 that 14 survived.

"As a Church rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and guided by Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si’, we call for a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident,” said Caritas in a statement. 

“There are pressing questions about the safety protocols and regulatory oversight related to the dredging operations in our province. While the project was reportedly cleared by authorities, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental and legal aspects of the activity,” it said.

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano said that the dredging has the necessary permits from the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Environmental Management Bureau, and local government units, which aims to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Dredging companies are required to go through public consultation and will not be given a Notice to Proceed (NTP) if they lack documents such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate, Dredging Plan, Memorandum of Agreement, and environmental fund.

Gadiano, on April 21, issued a cease order for Bluemax Tradelink, Inc., through its president. “Your company is hereby directed to cease and desist from conducting any dredging operations and related activities in the assigned area. The NTP was temporarily suspended until further notice.”

He added, “The vessel was allegedly loaded with sand materials extracted within the vicinity of the River Dredging Zone (RDZ) assigned to your company when it experienced an imbalance that led to its capsizing.”

Caritas Occidental Mindoro called upon the concerned local and national government offices to ensure full transparency and accountability in the investigation. It also joined the call for environmental and maritime authorities to assess and mitigate any ecological damage caused by potential fuel leakage.”

“We also join the faith communities and civil society organizations to accompany the affected families and amplify their voices in seeking justice and protection for both people and the planet,” said Caritas Occidental Mindoro.

“It reaffirms its mission to serve the most vulnerable, to care for our common home, and to promote a development model rooted in justice, sustainability, and compassion. Let us continue to be channels of hope and healing. In prayer and solidarity,” it added. 

Caritas Occidental Mindoro earlier offered its “deepest condolences and prayers for the families of crew members confirmed dead and for the safe recovery of those still missing.”