Senators on Thursday appealed to owners of a foreign vessel that rammed a local fishing boat to compensate the families of the victims and the 11 survivors.
Reports said the Republic of Marshall Islands-flagged Pacific Anna rammed the Filipino fishing boat Dearyn resulting in the death of three fishermen.
In a Senate hearing, Senators Francis Tolentino, head of the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones; Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III; and Senator Robin Padilla also called on the owner of the foreign ship to not be “legalistic” and immediately compensate the victims.
“We should not be legalistic and see what help can we give to those who died and the survivors who lost their source of income,” Tolentino said.
In determining liability, Capt. Leo Bolivar, Republic of the Marshall Islands Deputy Commissioner for Maritime Affairs, said they should refer to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adding that compensation will be given in case of the liability of the vessel.
He also said the preliminary investigation of Marshall Islands’ Maritime and Corporate Registries on the incident is being concluded.