PAO provides free legal aid to families of ferry sinking victims

Capsized ferry (ABS-CBN News via Twitter)

MANILA — The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is now providing free legal aid to the families of the victims of the sinking last week of M/B Kim Nirvana at the sea near Ormoc City, Leyte which claimed 59 lives.

In a text message, PAO Chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta said that the District Office of PAO in Ormoc City is doing the affidavits of loss for the families and procuring birth certificates for the identities of the victims.

“PAO Ormoc District office is now ready give free legal aid sa mga victim ng lumubog na MB Kim Nirvana,” Acosta said.

She noted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed murder charges against the owner and crew of the capsized ferry.

A total of 19 people were charged, including ferry operator Jorge Bong Zarco, ship captain Warren Oliviero, and 17 crew members.

Under Philippine law, murder is punishable by up to 40 years imprisonment.

The police investigation is separate from a coast guard inquiry, which will primarily determine the cause of the sea mishap.