AN OFFICIAL of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) said the five cargo ship crew who were arrested after disembarking from the vessel to buy food and water at the coastal road in Barangay Lapasan, this city, on April 6, are likely liable for violations of laws related to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The five crew members of the MV King Evaristo were identified as Ivem Stephen Vigo, of Roxas, Capiz; Madison Santos, of Pampanga; John Harold Fabilio, of Caloocan City; Rexfield Llorico, of Capiz; and Ranniel Alvaro of Caloocan City.
Cocpo spokesperson Major Evan Vinas said the five will likely face violations of Section 9 (d) of Republic Act 11332, Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, and Mayor Oscar Moreno’s executive order placing the city under community quarantine.
Vinas said the five were turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after the arrest.
The five crew members disembarked from the vessel and rode a small boat towards the coastal road to supposedly buy food and water.
“Inter-island ilang byahe, while waiting sa ilang schedule magkarga sa semento, nigawas sila kay magkuha og tubig ug gasul ug magpalit og pagkaon,” Vinas said.
Vinas added the five did not coordinate with the coast guard.
“Ang sayop nila kay wala sila moagi sa coast guard kay tugotan man pero usa ra daw dapat monaog,” he added.
The ship, which arrived on April 1 from Siargao, was supposed to load cement from the Cagayan de Oro Port to be delivered in Surigao.