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The Maritime Industry Authority denied an allegation it caused delay in the issuance of special permit to a ship transporting relief shipments to Cebu from Batangas
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MARINA said it immediately issued on December 22 a special permit to Archipelago Philippine Ferries Cor’s mercy ship, MV FastCat M16, after the ship applied for one in the evening of December 21 and satisfied all ship safety requirements
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Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia alleged MARINA in Batangas port caused the delay in the shipment of generator sets purchased by the provincial government
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) denied causing the delay in issuance of special permit to a ship transporting relief shipments to Cebu from Batangas.
Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia earlier alleged MARINA in Batangas port caused the delay in the shipment of generator sets purchased by the provincial government. In a press briefing on December 28, Garcia said the generator sets were supposed to arrive on December 23 but arrived on December 26.
MARINA in a statement said it immediately issued on December 22 a special permit to Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp.’s mercy ship, MV FastCat M16, after the ship applied for the permit in the evening of December 21 and satisfied all ship safety requirements.
The agency said it has been consistent in ensuring ships are made available to carry relief goods and equipment intended for those hardest hit by Typhoon Odette, and to transport of individuals and first responders to the affected islands.
MV FastCat M16 was at the Navotas shipyard when it applied for a special permit to operate. MARINA said a safety inspection was immediately conducted, and the appropriate ship safety certificate, including required special permit to load cargoes bound for Cebu City and elsewhere in the country, was issued by MARINA in less than 24 hours.
“With this incident, the MARINA will reach out and appeal and will explain our common efforts and undertaking to make shipping services available soonest possible, so as not to aggravate the suffering of the victims of the Typhoon,” the maritime authority said.
It added that it will continue to act swiftly on applications for special permits for mercy missions in the Visayas and in Northern Mindanao while ensuring ships granted with special permits possess the required seaworthiness to sail.
READ: 32 ships transport goods, passengers to Odette-hit areas
In a separate statement on December 22, MARINA said it had already authorized 32 ships to carry relief goods to as well as transport passengers in various areas severely affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
