Coast Guard official sacked after ferry capsized off Leyte

Capsized ferry (ABS-CBN News via Twitter)

MANILA — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Eastern Visayas district commander Capt. Pedro Tinampay was relieved from his post Monday after MB Kim Nirvana capsized off the coast of Ormoc, Leyte, killing over 60 people.

According to PCG Commandant Armiral Rodolfo Isorena, the decision to relieve Tinampay was to avoid claims of influencing the ongoing investigation.

“If Captain Tinampay would remain in his post and there is a formal investigation, some might raise suspicions that he might influence (the results of the investigation),” Isorena explained in a report from The Philippine Star.

Members of the boarding team on duty during the operation of the ferry — Apprentice Seaman Fidel Blanco, Seaman Second John Sabado, and Lt. Adonis Anasco — were also relieved of their posts.

According to reports, Sabado was the one who inspected the ferry before it left the port, while Anasco was the station commander in Ormoc at that time.

“If, after the investigation, it would be found out that no case can be filed against them, then they could still return to their previous positions,” Isorena pointed out.

Capt. Jose William Isaga is now the acting Eastern Visayas district commander.