MANILA, Philippines: THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ordered an investigation into the listing of a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-ro) vessel while traversing off Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental Sunday night.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) ordered the suspension of operations of the M/V Filipinas Cagayan de Oro, operated by Cokaliong Shipping Lines, on Monday.

Marina said the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) for M/V Filipinas would remain suspended until they complete a thorough inspection and evaluation of all the incident-related information.

Based on the initial inquiry, while on its way to Cebu, the vessel encountered a 10-degree listing due to strong winds caused by bad weather.

The Coast Guard Station Cagayan de Oro reported that MV Filipinas returned and safely arrived at the Cagayan de Oro Port around 11 p.m.

They assisted in the disembarkation of 448 passengers who were all in good physical condition and four rolling cargoes on board.

PCG Spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, instructed the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) to investigate and check the safety procedures and protocols implemented by the shipping company and its crew.

“This is to assure the public that we value the safety of the passengers and as much as possible incidents like this are prevented, especially now that the Christmas season is approaching where maritime traffic is increasing,” Rear Admiral Balilo emphasized.

He also reported the PCG received information that MV Filipinas listed due to unstable lashing of the rolling cargoes.