Philippine Coast Guard Files Criminal Complaint Against Captain Of Fire-Stricken Ferry That Killed 77

The Philippine Coast Guard has filed a criminal complaint against the captain of the June Aster after a fire on the ferry killed 77 people and left eight others missing.

Captain Roel Sarmiento has been charged with alleged falsification of public documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.

The complaint was filed before the National Prosecution Service of the Philippine Department of Justice on September 23.

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the document is submitted by the captain to the Coast Guard boarding team before a ship can sail. It records the number of people on board and covers the vessel’s compliance with safety rules, manning requirements and crew competency.

Cayabyab said there were differences between the passenger records and the people who actually boarded the ferry.

Six people listed in the ticket manifest did not board the ship. One passenger was listed twice. Another person was listed as crew but did not board the vessel.

The National Prosecution Service is now reviewing the complaint. If it finds enough grounds, the case will be formally docketed and sent for a preliminary investigation.

Sarmiento had earlier contacted local authorities and has been cooperating with the investigation.

The June Aster, owned by Atienza Interisland Ferries, was travelling from Manila to Coron in Palawan when the fire broke out on September 9.

The ferry was close to Coron when the fire started in an undisclosed part of the vessel at about 6:45 p.m. local time. When the Coast Guard and other agencies reached the area, the ferry was already on fire.

Authorities have confirmed 77 deaths. Forty-three people were rescued, while eight remain missing. The Coast Guard is still searching for those missing.

Some witnesses said they heard an explosion shortly before the fire started.

The fire is also being investigated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Maximo Bañares Jr., MARINA Region 4 director, said MARINA has completed its investigation. He said the agency found that flammable cargo caused the fire.

Bañares added there was a large amount of flammable cargo on the ferry and that it was not properly secured. He said he did not want to release details before the report was formally issued.

References: philstar, bairdmaritime