DOLE stops work on six Atienza ferries after the June Aster fire

The Daily Tribune reported on 19 October 2026 that the Department of Labor and Employment has ordered the suspension of work aboard six vessels operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. The work stoppage orders followed inspections on 10 October and a hearing led by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on 8 October. The newspaper says the vessels are docked at the Navotas Fish Port.

Inspectors found that the company had no occupational safety and health programs, emergency response plans, safety committees or trained safety officers. They also found inadequate personal protective equipment and failures to submit mandatory occupational safety and health reports. Beyond those findings, the Tribune says DOLE uncovered more than P600,000 in labor-related deficiencies, including unpaid overtime, holiday and rest day pay, night shift differentials, withheld service incentive leave benefits and underpaid wages.

GMA News reported that Tolentino said the six vessels are prohibited from sailing until the company responds to the violations. It named MV Star San Carlos, MV September Tulips, MV December Poinsettia, MV October Lavender, MV May Lilies and MV November Cattleya. It said employees must continue to receive their salary, that the company has until 23 October to respond and follow the order, and that a P10,000 fine will be imposed if it does not. GMA News, 19 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)

The company's MV June Aster caught fire off Coron, Palawan, on 9 September. The Tribune says the Philippine Coast Guard's verified figures as of 13 October were 77 dead, 43 survivors and eight missing. Atienza Interisland Ferries is based in Batangas.