New raps filed over Rizal boat mishap

MANILA, Philippines — Charges of syndicated estafa were filed yesterday in connection with the death of 27 passengers when their boat capsized in Laguna de Bay on July 27.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said the complaint was filed against Aya Express boat owner Rufino Antolin, boat captain Donald Anain and the officers and members of the Talim Island Passenger Motorboat and Patron Association.

The complaint was lodged before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Taytay, Rizal.

The Rizal police had included a PCG member on the list of respondents when it filed a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide as well as multiple physical injuries and negligence before the Rizal prosecutor’s office.

The Rizal police, after a joint investigation with the PCG, filed criminal complaints against Antolin, Anain and PCG Petty Officer 2 Jay Rivera, said to be the officer on duty at the Binangonan port when the tragedy occurred.

The PCG said 68 people were on board the boat when it capsized.

The number of passengers was said to be beyond the boat’s structural capacity of 60 and seating capacity of 42.

Aya Express was traveling from Barangay Kalinawan in Binangonan, Rizal on its way to Talim Island when the vessel capsized some 50 meters away from Kalinawan port.