It was 8 years after the 9-11 attacks happened. On that morning of September 11, 2001, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners and intentionally crashed two of the airliners into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone on board and many others working in the buildings. The twin towers collapsed within two hours, destroying nearby buildings and damaging others. 3rd and 4th planes crashed into the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, unfortunately, There were no survivors from any of the flights. A total of 2,993 people died on that tragedy. The US tried to cope up with the worst nightmare that happened to their country, as they build up the pieces of their dreams that turned into ashes. Today marks the 8th year of the tragedy, in our own way, let us offer some prayers for all the innocent people who died for the repose of their souls, and also to heal the hearts of every families who lost their love ones.

Philippine Air Force rescued Lita Casumlum of Ilo-ilo City last Monday being the last of the 926 passengers and crew of SuperFerry 9 who sank off in Zamboanga del Norte last Sunday. Aling Lita was floating in the shark-infested area for almost 30 hours when spotted by the 505th Search and Rescue Squadron of the Philippine Air Force. The tragedy left 10 casualties and rescued most of the passengers and crew of the said ship.

Maritime Industry Authority ( MARINA ) offered a suspension order in all Aboitiz Transport System vessels after the tragic sinking of SuperFerry 9 last Sunday that killed 9 people, and rescued 958 passengers including its crew members. According to Ma. Concepcion Arbolario, Marina franchising director,the agency had issued a show cause order, which effectively prohibited Aboitiz’s 10 passenger-cargo vessels from sailing, pending an investigation starting Sept. 15. MARINA will also audit the Aboitiz fleet to ensure the ships’ seaworthiness and the crews’ competence and ordered them to pay the survivors P50,000 and indemnify the families of the fatalities. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Vice President Jess Supan said that they will comply to the order even if they have not yet receive the notice.

12 people was reportedly drowned and 30 others were missing as M/V Superferry 9 tilted and sank off in Zamboanga del Norte early yesterday. A total of 926 passengers were rescued by the Philippine Navy and Coastguards. Rescued passengers and crewmen were transferred to two nearby commercial ships. Based on the Coast Guard officials update, 900 of the 968 people on board have been rescued as of 3:05 p.m. yesterday. Meanwhile, the Aboitiz Transport System took the responsibility of providing assistance for the victims and the survivors, as the ship was insured. SuperFerry 9 was carrying 847 passengers, 117 crew members and four sea marshals.

Vice President Noli de Castro confirmed that the remains of the eight Filipino workers who perished in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last July will arrive today and tomorrow. According to him, the bodies will be flown to Manila via Qatar Airways in two batches as the planes have limited cargo space. Remains of Ely Israel Carino, Ernesto Chano De Vega, Ricardo Bullawit Vallejos Jr., and Noli Macalino Visda will arrive today via Qatar Airways QR 646. Meanwhile, Manolito Hornilla and Leopoldo Jimenez’s remains were sent home last August 11. Vice President de Castro thanked all parties who helped facilitate the repatriation of the bodies.

President Gloria Macapagal Arrpyo was very angry to know about the recent bus accidents that killed almost 9 individuals and more than 40 injured. According to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, the President has called a meeting of all stakeholders and ordered DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza to immediately implement the necessary prevention measures. The President will visit the families of the victims of the Lucena mishap after her activities in General Santos City. Meanwhile LTFRB Chairman Alberto Suansing has immediately suspended the franchises of the bus companies in the Lucena mishap.

Another major road accident happened last Sunday midnight as Manila bound bus collided with another passenger bus in Lucena City and left Eight people dead, including a three-year-old girl and 40 others were injured. According to Senior Superintendent Elmo Sarona, Quezon police director, the persons died in the accident were; Rizzy Baguyo, 3, her mother Rean and grandmother Emelina Baguyo;Melchor Candano, Marife Pada and Romeo Buban, alternate bus driver. Two other fatalities remain unidentified as of press time. According to authorities, a Lucena Bus Lines bus (DWS-795) driven by Victor Alcantara was traversing the Maharlika Highway when it collided with the oncoming Bragais Line bus (EVM-934) driven by Jose Montealegre around midnight. Survivors also added that the Lucena-bound bus swerved to the left lane as the driver maneuvered to overtake, subsequently hitting the Manila-bound Bragais bus on the opposite lane that stripped off the left portion of the bus, leaving 7 dead on the spot.
Rescuers from the PNP,LGU’s, Task Force Lucena consisting of the Philippine Army in Southern Luzon Command and medical staff of Quezon Medical Center joined in the operation.