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Owner, crew of capsized Philippine ferry charged with murder

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The death toll from the ferry that capsized Thursday has now climbed to 56. Photo: AFP

Philippine police have filed murder charges against the owner and crew of a passenger ferry that capsized and left 56 dead, an official said Saturday.

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The charges were filed late on Friday in the central city of Ormoc over the sinking of the Kim Nirvana ship, according to regional police head Chief Superintendent Asher Dolina.

An initial police investigation and interviews with survivors showed the vessel abruptly turned in waters off the central port of Ormoc on Thursday, causing it to capsize, Dolina told AFP.

“They were not careful, showing there was an intent to kill. They were reckless on purpose,” Dolina said.

A total of 19 people were charged, including ship operator Joge Bong Zarco, captain Warren Oliviero, and 17 crew members, according to Dolina.

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

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