PCG to file raps vs owner of Cambodian ship

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to file charges for damage to the environment and negligence against the owner of the Cambodian-flagged ship loaded with coal and bunker fuel, which ran aground on the shores of Agno, Pangasinan last month.

PCG Northern Luzon district commander Captain George Ursabia said M/V Chang Da-12 hit the shores of Aren Point along Barangay Abagtanen last Dec. 19.

The vessel was carrying more than 6,000 metric tons of coal from Indonesia on its way to China.

Ursabia said they decided to take legal action because the reported owner and operator of the vessel, Sino Genesis Investments Ltd., failed to act on the situation.

“Time is of essence to prevent the cargo vessel from breaking up which might cause an environmental disaster since big and strong sea waves brought by the northeast monsoon continuous to pound the grounded vessel,” Ursabia said.

He said the vessel is also loaded with 13,000 liters of bunker fuel, which is threatening to spill and affect the coastal residents.

The PCG official said a towage company was commissioned by the PCG to salvage the vessel on Dec. 24, due to the slow action from the ship owners.

He said the ship does not also have the required certificates of ownership and registry, cargo ship safety certificate and manning certificate.

The ship does not have any insurance coverage such as hull and machinery insurance and a protection and indemnity coverage, he added.