PCG files charges vs firm of HK-registered ship that collided with Philippine fishing vessel

July 6, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) filed charges against the shipping company, masters and officers of a Hong Kong registered cargo vessel involved in a collision incident off the waters of Occidental Mindoro last week.

Commodore Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman,  said the criminal case of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and damage to property  against the shipping company, master and officers of MV Vienna Wood was filed at the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Occidental Mindoro on Monday.

He said the "PCG has complied the requirements of Prosecutor  Rowena Garcia-Villaflores, Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Occidental Mindoro" around 10:50 am.

Balilo said based on the charge sheet, the respondents include Zhang Weiwei, Shin Bin, Yi Lei and Yang Xileng all from China.

"PCG Station Commander of Occidental Mindoro, Lt. Valerie Lagua, acted as the complainant. Witnesses include PCG personnel, responders and fishermen," he said.

More than a week after the collision between fishing vessel Liberty 5 and  Vienna Woods, the 14 Filipinos remain missing.

Balilo said the "presumption of death may be only be declared by the court." Robina Asido/DMS