Keppel forms high-level team to probe shipyard tragedy

A Singapore-based shipping firm has formed a high-level team to look into the accident that killed at least six workers last Friday in Subic, Zambales. Keppel Offshore and Marine said the fact-finding team will work with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the local government, radio dzBB reported Monday. On Sunday, officials of Keppel met with Subic Mayor Jay Khonghun and gave assurance that the firm will shoulder the burial expenses of the six fatalities and the hospital expenses of those injured, the report said. In a news release, Keppel Subic Shipyard president and general manager Mok Kim Whang said its task force will include senior management from KSS and headquarters from Singapore will look into further enhancing safety at the yard. "The investigation is on-going, and we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities in the Philippines," he said in the statement posted on the firm's website.

KSS identified the six fatalities as:

Cris Xander Papna, Jhay Lord Reyes, Glenn Miranda and Ronaldo Bagay, who were project employees of Keppel Subic Shipyard (KSS); and

Mark San Juan and Ronald Lara, who were from Garcia & Rocafor General Services (G&R), the yard's subcontractor. Of the six injured workers, Berlindo Asinas and Eleazar Elopre Jr. are KSS project employees while Albert Recana, Alvin Penaverde, Wendy May Balaba and Belmore Dela Vega are workers from G&R. The yard has suspended work on this vessel pending further investigation. — RSJ, GMA News