The Philippine Coast Guard has filed criminal charges against the captain of M/V June Aster that caught fire while on its way to Coron and left 77 people dead and several missing.
The PCG said it filed falsification public documents charges under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code against Capt. Roel Sarmiento before the Department of Justice's National Prosecution Office on Sept. 23.
"Other appropriate complaints are being prepared based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation," the PCG said.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the falsification charges stem from Sarmiento's submission of documents as part of the Master's Declaration of Safe Departure, specifically the documents concerning the number of individuals onboard the vessel.
"Meanwhile, the PCG sustains the provision of free legal assistance to affected families and the search for the eight missing individuals through aerial search operations over the waters of Palawan and Southern Tagalog," the PCG said.
It said Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. and C.P. Gaspar Salvage and Lighterage Corp. are also discussing measures to fast-track vessel salvage operations.
M/V June Aster was on its way to Coron from Baseco, Manila when it went ablaze on September 9.
According to early reports, the fire broke out following an explosion in the vessel's cargo hold.
The Maritime Industry Authority had said improperly stowed flammable cargo was likely the cause of the fire.
