Piracy raps set vs people behind ship’s seizure

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of charges of piracy against several people behind the illegal seizure of a vessel, the MTug ASL Prosper, on Dec. 17 in Sual, Pangasinan, and its transport to the Navotas Fish Port Complex.

Also facing charges are the officers and directors of Pencon8, a local salvaging company.

The NBI said in a statement that the case was prompted by a complaint filed by the owner of the vessel, Hong Kong River Engineering Co. Ltd., which sought its help.

The company said that Pencon8 illegally seized the ship by claiming it was “abandoned and a hazard to navigation.”

On Jan. 4, the ship was found at the Navotas fish port with Daniel Lustre Jr., Eldrine Christopher Lasanas and Rene Matados on board. They were arrested after they failed to prove they were authorized to board or possess the vessel. —Gillian Villanueva