PCG won’t drop charges vs ship’s owner, crew

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is not dropping its charges against the owner and crew of MV Vienna Wood even as they entered into a settlement with the families of the crew and passengers of the fishing vessel they collided with in June.

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. George Ursabia Jr. said they would “continue to pursue the criminal case” and respect the court’s decision on the charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property they filed against the Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship’s crew and owner Nomikos Transworld Maritime.

—Jovic Yee