The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX swiftly responded to victim-survivors of the ill-fated M/V Lady Mary Joy III after it caught fire en route to Jolo Sulu Province on the eve of March 29. 

The commercial ferry owned by Aleson Shipping Lines carried 252 onboard passengers comprised of 205 civilians, 35 Crew members, 8 Army personnel, and 4 Philippine Coast Guard personnel when the fire incident broke out within the vicinity of Baluk-Baluk Island in the Municipality of Hadji. Muhtamad, Basilan Province.

The DSWD personnel immediately extended financial assistance worth 5,000 pesos through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation to 126 victim-survivors rescued, including those presently under medication in four different hospitals in Zamboanga City. Meanwhile, five (5) families of the deceased victims also received 10,000 pesos. 

The DSWD FO IX, through its Disaster Response Management Division, also distributed Non-Food Items (NFIs) such as Family Kits, Hygiene Kits, and Sleeping kits to some Victim-survivors who sought refuge at the DSWD Home for Women Center in Mampang, Zamboanga City, for temporary shelter.

A total of 680,000 pesos worth of Financial Assistance and 163,627.32 pesos of items were extended by the DSWD, respectively.

“It is our prime duty as a social welfare agency to take a swift lead in responding to the necessary assistance and interventions to the victims and families of the tragedy to provide comfort and relief in these trying times,” said DSWD Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, CESO IV 

The Office of Robinhood Padilla,  Hon. Khymer Adan T. Olaso- 1st District Representative of Zamboanga City, Aleson Shipping Lines, and Ministry of Social Services and Development-BARMM provided additional cash assistance. At the same time, the Local Government of Zamboanga City and the Office of Civil Defense also augmented clothing and hygiene kits for the survivors of MV Mary Joy III.

Director Hadjimuddin also thanked all responders and partners who extended their support and assistance during the rescue and response, “We are grateful to all response team for ensuring that the best welfare and interest of all victim-survivors were efficiently provided.” 

Some Psychometricians from DSWD and Western Mindanao State University also rendered Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS) as an immediate intervention for all affected individuals.

DSWD Field Office IX commits to continue its coordination efforts through MSSD-BARMM with their respective Local Government Units for aftercare services and further intervention for the victim-survivors. 

As of writing, there are 216 survivors, while 29 are confirmed dead, and seven are still missing. Out of the 29 casualties, 11 have been identified as drowned at sea, while 18 persons were burned on board and still need DNA testing for proper identification. ##