By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Southern Visayas district commander, Captain Eduardo De Luna, said anytime this week they are filing criminal charges against the roll-on/roll-off (Roro) vessel captain who was allegedly involved in the ramming of a fishing boat in Escalante City which resulted to the death of a fisherman.

De Luna said the Maritime Casualty Investigation team requested by PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Lt. Commander Jansen Benjamin, is already in the process of finalizing its findings in the investigation.

He added that the PCG sub-station in Escalante City has also launched an educational drive on the fishermen living in the area informing them to as much as possible avoid fishing in the busy shipping lanes.

The fishermen were also informed of their rights, and were told not to hesitate asking for help from the local PCG sub-station should they encounter any difficulties.

“Currently, we are helping the victim’s family by providing them legal assistance,” De Luna said. “We are not looking for any faults, however, [the shipping company should be responsible] in assisting the victim’s family.”

Earlier this month, fisherman Je-ar Caspe was killed after his fishing boat was rammed by a Roro vessel off the coast of Escalante City.

It was later determined that the vessel involved in the incident was heading to neighboring Sagay City from Tabuelan, Cebu./DGB, WDJ