The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is considering the filing of administrative charges against the owner of MV Hong Hai 16, which capsized off the coast of Occidental Mindoro on 15 April, resulting in the deaths of nine crew members.

Commander Michael John Encina, PCG deputy spokesperson, said the agency’s immediate focus remained on search and recovery operations and containing any possible oil spill from the ill-fated vessel.

“We’re focusing on those efforts first before proceeding with possible administrative cases against the owner,” Encina said in a radio interview. “These will only be filed if the investigation establishes sufficient grounds.”

The PCG earlier sent a demand letter to the shipowner, urging full cooperation in ongoing response operations near Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, where the ship overturned.

According to Encina, four crew members are still missing, while search and recovery efforts continue.

The cause of the incident has not yet been determined, but the Coast Guard has not ruled out a possible stability issue with the vessel.

“So far, there have been no reports of an oil spill in the affected area,” Encina said. “Our response team on the field hasn’t detected any, and we’re also coordinating with nearby coastal communities to report any signs of oil in their vicinity.”

To prevent a potential environmental disaster, the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Group-Southern Tagalog has deployed 10 segments, or approximately 250 meters, of oil spill boom around the capsized vessel.

The investigation is ongoing as the PCG continues recovery operations and monitors for signs of environmental impact.