DOLE bans six Atienza ferries after deadly June Aster fire and safety violations
The Department of Labor and Employment ordered a work stoppage for six Atienza InterIsland Ferries vessels after finding safety breaches linked to the fatal MV June Aster blaze.
A fire aboard MV June Aster in September resulted in at least 77 deaths, prompting an investigation that uncovered serious safety lapses at its operator, Atienza InterIsland Ferries Inc. The Department of Labor and Employment issued a work stoppage order covering six of the company's vessels—MV Star San Carlos, MV September Tulips, MV December Poinsettia, MV October Lavender, MV May Lilies, and MV November Cattleya—citing the lack of an occupational safety and health program and the absence of a designated safety officer.
DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino stated the ships cannot sail until the firm responds to the findings, and employees must still be paid during the suspension. The company has until Oct. 23 to submit a corrective plan, after which a P10,000 penalty will be imposed for non-compliance. The Bureau of Fire Protection suggested that improperly secured chlorine containers may have reacted with asphalt cargo, intensifying the blaze, while the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed 60 fatalities and ongoing identification of 11 more victims.
Why it matters
The order highlights critical gaps in maritime safety that contributed to a major loss of life and may affect future ferry operations.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the DOLE ban of six Atienza ferries, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes the action as a move to ensure safety compliance, while centrist coverage highlights specific safety violations, lack of a safety program, and penalties.
LEFT
Frames the ban as a step to ensure safety compliance across the fleet
CENTER
Frames the ban as a response to serious safety violations, detailing missing safety programs and imposed penalties
The left emphasises
- the action aims to ensure safety compliance across the fleet
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