The complaint, filed before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice in Manila on 23 September 2026, is for falsification of public documents under Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code against JUNE ASTER’s captain.

Other appropriate complaints are being prepared based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.

According to Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the falsification complaint involves documents submitted by the captain as part of the Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), specifically concerning the declared number of individuals onboard the vessel.

The complaint is now subject to evaluation by the National Prosecution Service. If found sufficient, it will be docketed and formally assigned for preliminary investigation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard sustains the provision of free legal assistance to affected families and the search for the eight missing individuals through aerial search operations over the waters of Palawan and Southern Tagalog.

Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the owner and operator of JUNE ASTER, and its hired competent salvor, C.V. Gaspar Salvage and Lighterage Corp., are also discussing measures to expedite the salvage operation.

Based on the latest figures from the Emergency Operations Centre as of 28 September 2026, 77 people lost their lives, 43 survived, and eight individuals remain missing following the fire onboard JUNE ASTER in the vicinity waters off Coron, Palawan.

Read also: Ban of electric vehicles in the wake of the JUNE ASTER disaster 

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