Boat owner, boat operator group charged over death of 27 people in Rizal tragedy
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has filed a criminal case against the boat owner and officials of and members of a sea travel transport group based in Rizal following the capsizing of a motorized banca that left 27 passengers dead last month.
Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, commander of PCG District in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, said a case of syndicated estafa was filed since there was a deception on the part of the boat owner, boat captain and officials and members of the Tipmopa when they allowed over 60 passengers to board the MBCA Aya Princess when the manifest stated that there were only 22.
“There was a deceit that happened and this constitutes fraud. There was a submission that there were only 22 passengers when in fact, the passengers were more than 22,” said Cornelio.
A total of of 27 people died while around 40 others survived the tragedy.
On the part of the Tipmopa (Talim Island Motorboat and Patrons Association), he said its officers and members were included in the charge sheet since it has been operating without the necessary permits.
“So that means syndicate estafa because Tipmopa, for the past several years, has been operating and deceiving the public and it is not accredited,” he added.
The case was filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Taytay, Rizal on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Also charged was the boat captain who earlier claimed that he did not know that his companions allowed more passengers to ride while he was submitting the manifest to the PCG.
The passenger boat was on its way to Talim Island from Binangonan port when it encountered a sudden gust of wind some 50 meters away from the port.
This caused panic among the passengers and the PCG said they all rushed to the left side of the boat. This caused the boat to capsize.