THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has ordered a work stoppage covering six vessels operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, Inc. after inspectors found deficiencies in workplace safety programs, designated safety personnel, and emergency preparedness measures.
The order, issued by DoLE-National Capital Region (NCR) on Oct. 12, followed a labor inspection conducted on Oct. 10 at Navotas Fish Port in Navotas City.
DoLE-NCR Regional Director Roy Buenafe said the inspection found that the company lacked a required occupational safety and health program, designated safety officers, and an emergency preparedness module.
The directive covers MV November Cattleya, MV December Poinsettia, MV September Tulips, MV October Lavender, MC Star San Carlos, and MV May Lillies.
Mr. Buenafe said the vessels would not be allowed to resume operations until the identified deficiencies had been addressed.
The agency gave the company until Oct. 23 to comply with the requirements, with possible administrative penalties of up to P100,000 for noncompliance.
The order was issued under Rule VI of Department Order No. 238, Series of 2023, pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code and Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law.
The six vessels are registered under the Port of Batangas City, with passenger capacities ranging from 152 to 530, according to inspection records.
DoLE-NCR also directed the company to continue paying the wages of affected employees during the work stoppage, citing Article 128(c) of the Labor Code.
“Respondents shall pay the wages of all affected employees during the period covered by this WSO, the issuance of this Order having resulted from violations attributable to the employer,” the order read.
The directive follows a fire aboard another Atienza-operated vessel, MV June Aster, on Sept. 9 while it was traveling from Batangas to Coron, Palawan.
The incident left 77 people dead, while eight others were reported missing, according to authorities.
In a separate investigation following the fire, the DoLE reported labor and occupational safety violations involving the vessel’s management, including alleged underpayment of wages and deficiencies in safety programs and emergency response plans.
Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including reports concerning the loading of dangerous cargo and the vessel’s clearance to sail despite a reported mechanical problem.
The investigation into the September fire is separate from the work stoppage order covering the six other vessels. — Pexcel John Bacon