PCG forms fact-finding team to look into USS Guardian grounding

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): PCG forms fact-finding team to look into USS Guardian grounding

The Philippine Coast Guard Monday announced it has formed a fact-finding team to investigate how the USS Guardian (MCM-5) ran aground off Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea Jan. 17. Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo, Coast Guard spokesperson, said PCG chief Rear Adm. Rodolfo Isorena has designated Commodore Eric Evangelista, Coast Guard Palawan commander, as head of the fact-finding team. "The fact-finding team will look into all aspects of the grounding," Balilo stressed.

 Asked whether the investigation team will look into reports the USS Guardian ignored communications from the Tubbataha Management Office, the PCG spokesperson replied in the affirmative.   "All reports will be looked into including that incident," he stressed. Balilo said as of this moment, the USS Guardian is in no danger of sinking or spilling oil in the maritime sanctuary. "It (USS Guardian) is stable so far," he added.

The PCG spokesperson also added BRP Corregidor (AE-891), the Coast Guard ship near the stricken ship, has left for Puerto Princesa, Palawan for refueling and restocking of food. He added that the vessel will be back on station around 4 p.m. along with Evangelista and other PCG divers to get a first hand impression on the scene.

Last Thursday, the USS Guardian ran aground at Tubbataha Reef, a protected site. The US Navy said it is looking into thee possibility faulty chart data could have misled the minesweeper. But on Monday, Tubbataha Management Office head Angelique Songco said the USS Guardian's crew ignored communications from her rangers. Songco said the rangers tried to communicate with them to warn them they are nearing a protected area, but the crew told the rangers to communicate with the US Embassy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=489308