CHARGES of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides are being readied by the Rizal provincial police against the captain and owner of the vessel that capsized off Laguna de Bay in Binangonan, Rizal Thursday last week which left 27 passengers dead.
Col. Dominic Baccay, Rizal PNP provincial director, said their legal teams are readying the charges against Donald Anain, the skipper of the Aya Express; and owner Rufino Antonil.
The vessel can only accommodate a maximum of 42 persons, including the skipper and his crew, but at the time of the tragedy carried at least 70, with 40 surviving.
Records also showed that only 22 persons were listed in the manifesto.
Search and retrieval operations were still being conducted as of 3 p.m. yesterday despite the rainy weather and moderate to strong currents of water.
The Philippine Coast Guard has removed two of its personnel from a substation that covers the area of the incident.
PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the two have been removed “for them not to interfere in the fair conduct of the investigation.”
The Maritime Industry Authority also announced that it has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of Aya Express, prohibiting it from sailing.
The vessel capsized last Thursday afternoon while on its way to Talim Island in Barangay Gulod, Binangonan.
Binangonan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Jose Hernandez said the boat was authorized by the PCG to travel because the storm signal has been lifted after typhoon “Egay” exited the country.
Typhoon “Egay” brought winds of up to 175 km an hour to Northern Luzon.
The boat came from mainland Binangonan, which is about 30 minutes away from Talim Island by sea. Binangonan is a coastal town just two hours away from Manila.
The boat was battered by strong winds about 50 yards away from Barangay Kalinawan and the passengers reportedly panicked, all going to port or the left side of the vessel, which caused it to capsize.
PROBE SOUGHT
Sen. Grace Poe yesterday urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure those responsible will be held accountable.
Poe issued the statement even as she announced that the Senate Committee on public services, which she heads, is prepared to open its own inquiry into the incident.
“What happened is infuriating and saddening. Losing lives is no joke, especially one like this that could be due to negligence or corruption, that’s why we have to get to the bottom of this. Whoever is liable should be held accountable for this tragedy,” she said.
Poe said crucial questions such as why the PCG allowed the vessel to sail despite strong winds and heavy rains must be answered.
She added the boat’s owner and the PCG should also explain why there were more passengers on the vessel than its allowed capacity.
Poe also pointed out reports that the passengers had no life vests.
Poe said the probe should determine liability and mete out punishment for those responsible.
Poe said the investigation may also include the victims of past sea tragedies to determine the outcome of their case and whether their families have been properly compensated.
AID VOWED
The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday assured assistance to the family of the health worker who was among the casualties in the tragedy.
In a statement, the DOH-Calabarzon said it is preparing assistance for the family of the midwife, who was on her way to Talim Island for her 3 p.m. shift when tragedy struck.
“The DOH is focused on sending our condolences to the family left behind and in sending the much-needed support to them,” said the DOH – Calabarzon.
“We are also prepared to provide mental health and psychosocial support as well as medical assistance to the grieving family,” it added.
The DOH – Calabarzon said they are saddened by the death of the health worker, especially since it happened while on her way to perform her duty. — With Ashzel Hachero and Gerard Naval
