By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – A father came out and asked for justice for the death of his son after an unidentified Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo vessel rammed the victim’s fishing boat in Escalante City, Negros Occidental early this week.
Enrique Caspe, father of 29-year-old Je-ar Caspe who died in the accident said they don’t intend to sue the owner of the Ro-Ro ship.
“Indi kami interesado mag file kaso kay waay man kami kwarta, [gusto] ko lang matabangan man kami nila,” Enrique said.
Enrique said they just want the shipping company to accept responsibility for the incident and provide assistance to them.
On late Monday night, the Caspes went fishing on separate boats when the tragedy occured.
Enrique said he immediately searched for Je-ar and eventually found the latter lifeless alongside the remains of his wrecked boat.
The father brought his remains to the shore, and immediately asked help from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Enrique said he saw a cargo vessel, but he was not able to identify the ship which, according to him, was on its way to Sagay port.
Meanwhile, the PCG-Negros Occidental is still gathering evidence to validate reports about the cargo vessel.
Commander Jansen Benjamin, PCG-Negros Occidental head, said they have to first identify what vessels departed from Tabuelan port in Cebu, their voyage plans, speed, and routes.
“We have to consider these things before we invite the involved party. We can’t pinpoint as of now, but we will investigate, and invite the responsible shipping company after our validation,” Benjamin said.
A Maritime Casualty Investigation Team will soon arrive from Manila to probe the incident.
Benjamin assured that they will give justice to the victim’s family and determine if there was really negligence on the part of the shipping company.
On the other hand, Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. already provided assistance to the family, particularly on the victim’s burial.
