Authorities are looking into possible criminal and anti-graft charges against the crew and owners of MV June Aster, as well as cargo handlers and government personnel over the vessel blaze that killed 77 people, injured 43, and left eight missing.

During a Palace press briefing Friday, Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu said those found responsible could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, while government personnel who failed to perform their duties could also face charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

“Automatically, it will be reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, and at the same time violations of anti-graft and corrupt practices by those people in the government,” Kwan Tiu said.

Kwan Tiu said the MV June Aster, a passenger roll-on/roll-off vessel traveling from Batangas to Coron, Palawan, caught fire on Sept. 9.

The BFP chief added that the vessel’s captain, chief mate, two able-bodied seamen, second mate, and safety officer were among those who could face charges based on the investigation.

He added that the vessel’s owner and officers and the contractor responsible for loading onto the vessel could also be held liable.

Investigators are also examining possible violations involving the loading and declaration of dangerous cargo, including asphalt and calcium hypochlorite, a chemical commonly used in swimming pool disinfectants.

Kwan Tiu said the chemicals were reportedly stored near the vessel’s engine exhaust, where heat may have contributed to ignition. Rough sea conditions may have caused the cargo to shift and the substances to mix.

Kwan Tiu said the excess volume of chemicals could be considered an aggravating circumstance in filing charges against those found responsible.

Authorities are also coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority to determine why the vessel was cleared to sail despite a reported mechanical problem that delayed its departure by four days.

The investigation is examining possible lapses at the port of origin, including whether responsible personnel properly inspected the vessel and secured its cargo before departure. Presidential News Desk