Death toll in Subic shipyard accident climbs to 6

MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) – The number of shipyard workers killed in an accident at the Keppel Subic Shipyard in Subic, Zambales Friday morning has risen to 6.

The latest casualty was identified as Ronaldo Bagay, who was brought to the hospital after losing his leg in the accident.

Five other victims who sustained multiple injuries were identified as Jay Lord Reyes, Glen Miranda, Mark San Juan, Chrisander Papna and Ronald Lara.

According to one of the shipyard workers of Keppel, accidents are a common occurrence at the shipyard and the company simply prefers to hide them and pay off the victims.

In 2006, a tanker reportedly exploded at the shipyard, said the worker, who refused to be named.

A worker also died after falling from a scaffolding.

“Kung minsan, nagiging pasimuno ang mga safety. Imbis na sila ang maghigpit, sila ang nangunguna,” said the employee.

Mokkim Whang, president of Keppel Subic Shipyard, however, denied this, saying that Keppel Philippines has top-notch safety standards.

“This is not true, we follow very strict safety standards,” said Whang.

But a hospital that treats accident victims from Keppel said it has treated several victims of accidents from the shipyard in the past.

“Siguro mga 1 every 3 months,” said Dr. Emmanuel dela Paz, attending physician of the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

Keppel temporarily halted operations in the area, following the accident.

According to a subcontractor, the accident occurred because a ramp fell on the welders because it was not securely fastened to its vessel.

Whang, meanwhile, assured the victims’ families that they will be properly compensated.

Whang also visited 7 others who were seriously hurt in the accident.

Call for shutdown

Safety organization Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue a Stoppage of Operation order at the Subic Keppel Shipyard Incorporated, pending a comprehensive inspection of the safety practices of the ship builder.

In a press statement, Noel Colina, Executive Director of the IOHSAD, said health standards allow DOLE to completely shut down Keppel if they fail to adhere to safety standards.

“Rule 1012.02 or Abatement of Imminent Danger of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) allows the DOLE to shut down the operation, require from the company specific measures to correct dangerous practices and/or maintain a stoppage of operation if the recommendations are not adhered to by the erring company,” said Colina.

Colina noted that the workers must still be paid their regular salaries in the event of a shutdown.

“Shut down the operation, investigate and prosecute those responsible for the accidents. During the shutdown, all the workers must receive full wages,” he said.

Malacañang has also ordered officials to probe the accident, to determine if safety standards were violated. — Reports from Niko Baua, ABS-CBN News; ANC