Owner, crew of sunk Philippines ferry charged with murder

Phillippine police have filed homicide charges against the owner and crew of a passenger ferry that capsized killing 56, an official said on Saturday.

Phillippine police have filed homicide charges against the owner and crew of a passenger ferry that capsized killing 56, an official said on Saturday.

Residents-and-relatives-wait-for-news-of-their-loved-ones-a-day-after-a-ferry-transporting-nearly-200-people-capsized-as-rescuers-continue-their-search-for-survivors-at-the-pier-in-the-central-Philippine-city-of-Ormoc-AFP-Photo

The charges were filed late on Friday in the central city of Ormoc over the sinking of the Kim Nirvana ship, according to regional police head Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina.

An initial police investigation and interviews with survivors showed the vessel abruptly turned in waters off the central port of Ormoc on Thursday, causing it to capsize, Dolina told AFP.

"They were not careful, showing there was an intent to kill. They were reckless on purpose," Dolina said.

A total of nineteen people were charged, including ship operator Joge Bong Zarco, captain Warren Oliviero, and 17 crew members, according to Dolina.

Rescuers carry a body bag containing one the passengers retrieved from the ferry at the pier in Ormoc City (AFP Photo)

Under Philippine law, murder is punishable by up to 40 years imprisonment.

The police investigation is separate from a coast guard inquiry, which will primarily determine the cause of the mishap.

However, the coast guard may also recommend criminal and administrative charges.

"We filed the charges as soon as we could because we don't want the suspects to leave the country," Dolina said.

Fifty-six people were confirmed dead from the sinking, Ormoc city councillor Godiardo Ebcas told AFP.