Manila, Jan. 28 -- The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is set to intensify safety audits and hold more frequent vessel inspections to improve maritime safety regulation and enforcement for safer sea travel in the country.

In an online press conference on Wednesday, MARINA Enforcement Service Director Luisito "Lui" Delos Santos said the sinking of M/V Trishia Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters early this week "points to serious and systemic safety challenges within the country's maritime transport sector."

"Incidents occurring even in fair weather conditions demonstrate that safety risks are not limited to weather alone, but extend to vessel seaworthiness, maintenance practices, operational discipline, and safety management systems," Delos...