DOJ affirms ruling on Sulpicio case

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has affirmed its decision last year approving the indictment of an official of Sulpicio Lines and the missing captain of the ill-fated vessel that capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon in June 2008.

In a resolution, acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra junked the petition for review seeking to clear Edward Go, Sulpicio Lines vice president for administration, and Florencio Marimon, skipper of M/V Princess of the Stars, of charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

“We are confirming the findings of the panel that the shipping line is liable for not taking precautionary measures to prevent the tragedy from taking place,” Agra said in a press briefing.

There are reports though that Marimon was among those who died in the sea tragedy. His body was among the 447 recovered and identified by authorities through DNA testing.