Criminal, graft raps eyed vs June Aster workers, owner

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are looking at possible criminal and graft charges against the crewmembers and owner of the ferry June Aster as well as cargo handlers and government personnel in connection with a fire that struck the vessel last month.

Seventy-seven people were killed while 43 were injured and eight remain missing in the tragedy that occurred in the waters off Coron, Palawan.

At a Palace briefing, Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu presented an AI-assisted reenactment video of what transpired on the June Aster at around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 9.

“Automatically, charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide may be filed against the workers and owner of the ferry, and violation of anti-graft and corrupt practices against people in the government,” Kwan Tiu said.

Investigators are examining possible violations involving loading and declaration of dangerous cargo such as asphalt and calcium hypochlorite.

Kwan Tiu said that some chemicals were reportedly stored near the engine’s exhaust system, where the heat might have helped ignite the fire.

Rough sea conditions may have caused the cargo to shift and the substances to mix, creating a chemical reaction.

The excess volume of chemicals can be considered as an aggravating circumstance in filing charges against those found responsible, Kwan Tiu said.

June Aster, a passenger roll-on roll-off vessel, was traveling from Batangas to Coron when it caught fire.

The vessel’s officials – skipper, chief and second mates, seafarers and safety officer – could be among those to be charged based on the investigation, Kwan Tiu said.

He said the vessel’s owner and the contractor responsible for loading the cargo could also be held liable for the tragedy.

“Officials of the Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., owner and operator of the June Aster, may also be charged as part of the liabilities of the management,” Kwan Tiu said.