Sulpicio faces criminal probe
By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:05:00 09/05/2008
Filed Under: Sulpicio ferry disaster, Maritime Accidents
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice has formed a panel which will look into the possible criminal liability of the owners and officials of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars.
The panel will investigate the reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and serious physical injuries charges against Sulpicio Lines Inc., said Assistant Chief State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon.
The panel will be chaired by Senior State Prosecutor Emilia Victorio, Fadullon said. Its members include prosecuting lawyers Jovy Ann Sta. Maria and Jhon Benedict Medina, he said.
Slapped with multiple homicide, multiple serious physical injuries and damage to properties complaints are ship master Florencio Marimon, Sulpicio president Enrique S. Go, Sulpicio executive vice president Eusebio S. Go, executive vice president and CEO Carlos S. Go, senior vice president and secretary Victoriano S. Go, first vice president Dominador S. Go, first vice president and treasurer Ricardo S. Go, and first vice president Edward S. Go.
The ship had over 800 passengers and crew onboard when it went down at the height of typhoon Frank (international codename: Fengshen) on June 21 off Romblon province’s Sibuyan Island.
The Board of Marine Inquiry, which investigated the sinking, has recommended the suspension of the shipowner’s license to operate.
It also recommended the revocation of the licenses of Marimon, who is among the hundreds still missing and believed entombed in the belly of the overturned ship, as well as the port captains of Cebu and Manila.
At the same time, the BMI found SLI’s officers, including its president, first vice-president and port officials "negligent" for failing to stop the ferry master from sailing despite the weather condition.
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