Raps filed vs foreign cargo vessel crew over collision

MANILA, Philippines — Four crewmembers of the foreign cargo vessel MV Happy Hiro have been charged in connection with the collision with the fishing boat JOT-18 in the waters off Palawan over the weekend that left seven fishermen missing.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple injuries and damage to property before the Antique prosecutor’s office against Croatian vessel master Meshay Amir, Romanian second mate Bogdon George Antonie and Filipino officers Tyrone Albina Maguiling and Amante McKinley Panuncialman.

The PCG station in Antique said the fishing boat FB JOT-18 also committed violations for leaving the port without PCG clearance, which carries a fine of P10,000.

The FB JOT-18 also failed to accomplish the Master Declaration of Safe Departure, which has a fine of P50,000.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu told reporters yesterday that search and rescue operations were terminated and the PCG shifted to search and retrieval operations.

He said the MV Happy Hiro would not be allowed to leave the country pending the result of the investigation.

Abu said initial investigation showed that the FB JOT-18 was anchored and encountered engine failure when the MV Happy Hiro hit it near Maracanao Island in Agutaya, Palawan on May 28.