Hi Jigo,
My name is Mark and I am one of the owners of the Philippine Siren and work in the sales department. Someone drew my attention to this post and I thought it prudent to post a reply on Worldwide Dive and Sail's behalf. Unfortunately the news article is indeed full of untruths and I believe politically/financially motivated. The Philippine Siren did not drive into coral at all but her mooring pulled free and damaged some coral. As this saga is still ongoing I can't say too much but here is the official statement we have released.....
"On Friday the 25th of June the SY Philippine Siren was visiting Apo Island as part of its South Visayas itinerary. The ship was on a mooring that was supposed to be strong enough for that type of vessel and was assigned to her by the local authorities.
Unfortunately, sudden heavy seas moved the ship together with the mooring and anchoring rock, pulling the anchoring rock over a part of the reef, damaging a section of Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).
We are saddened by this event and are currently working with the authorities on how to proceed so that this type of damage does not occur again.
As divers, we are dedicated to protecting the reef as well as sharing the underwater beauty of the Philippines with divers from around the world."