By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, July 7 (PNA) – A day after pushing the inquiry on the seaworthiness of the country’s maritime vessels, Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino on Tuesday urged authorities to charge Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel for allowing the ill-fated M/B Kim Nirvana to leave port despite being overloaded.
“While we welcomed swift action against the captain, ship operator and crew of the ferry that capsized off Ormoc City, erring government employees must also charged for their failure to ensure the safety of passengers,” Aquino said.
“Government employees in the area are as culpable as the captain, operator and crew of M/B Kim Nirvana for the death of 61 people. They should also be held responsible for this incident,” he said.
On Saturday, authorities filed multiple murder charges against the owner Joge Bung Zarco, boat captain Warren Oliverio and 17 crew members of M/B Kim Nirvana.
The PCG has already relieved two of its personnel – Fidel Blanco and John Sabado – for allowing the vessel to leave port despite being overloaded. However, the two were not charged.
”Everybody should be held accountable for this incident,” Aquino said.
Earlier, Aquino reiterated his call to investigate the seaworthiness of maritime vessels in the country in the wake of this recent sea tragedy.
The senator filed Senate Resolution No. 652 in May 2014, calling for the investigation on the seaworthiness of maritime vessels to ensure their safe and efficient operations and avoid maritime accidents.
However, the resolution gathered dust and was never heard by the appropriate Senate committee.
In his resolution, Aquino emphasized that the national government has the duty to implement positive measures that can alleviate, if not resolve, the recurring maritime accidents over the past decades. (PNA)