The Philippine Coast Guard has initiated the first of multiple criminal complaints stemming from the recent fire incident aboard the Ro-Pax ferry June Aster. This information was shared via a social media post on September 28. The complaint has been lodged with the National Prosecution Service (NPS) of the Department of Justice, targeting Roel Sarmiento, the captain of the ferry, for falsification of public documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.
Captain Sarmiento has previously engaged with local authorities and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation into the incident. In addition to the complaint against Sarmiento, the coast guard has indicated that further charges are being prepared based on the evidence assembled during the inquiry.
According to Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, a spokesperson for the coast guard, the falsification complaint pertains to the documents provided by Sarmiento as part of the master’s declaration of safe departure (MDSD). The specific concern in the complaint is related to the official declaration of the number of individuals aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the details surrounding the fire.
