The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has filed the first of several criminal complaints in connection with the MV June Aster incident, accusing its captain of falsification of public documents.
The complaint was filed before the National Prosecution Service (NPS) of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila on September 23, 2026, against MV June Aster Captain Roel Sarmiento for alleged violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code.
“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), under the leadership of PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, has filed the first of several criminal complaints being pursued in connection with the MV June Aster incident,” the agency said.
The PCG said the complaint concerns documents submitted by Sarmiento as part of the vessel’s Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), specifically the declared number of people onboard.
“According to PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the falsification complaint involves documents submitted by Captain Sarmiento as part of the Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD), specifically concerning the declared number of individuals onboard the vessel,” it said.
The complaint is now being evaluated by the NPS. If found sufficient, it will be docketed and formally assigned for preliminary investigation.
“Other appropriate complaints are being prepared based on evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation,” the PCG said.
The agency did not identify the other potential charges but said these would be pursued based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the PCG continues to search for eight people who remain missing following the MV June Aster incident in waters off Coron, Palawan.
The agency said it is also providing free legal assistance to affected families and conducting aerial search operations over the waters of Palawan and Southern Tagalog.
Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. and its hired salvor, C.V. Gaspar Salvage and Lighterage Corp., are discussing measures to expedite the salvage operation of MV June Aster, according to the PCG.
As of September 28, the PCG Emergency Operations Center reported 77 fatalities, 43 survivors and eight people still missing following the incident.
The PCG said the criminal complaint and continuing search and salvage operations are being pursued while the broader investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
