The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) mulls possible filing of administrative cases against the shipowner of MV Hong Hai 16, which capsized in the waters off Occidental Mindoro.

But, for now the PCG is focusing on the search and recovery operations following the fatal incident, and on mitigating the possible oil spill from the vessel.

PCG deputy spokesperson Commander Michael John Encina said the Coast Guard issued a demand letter to the owner of MV Hong Hai 16 to ensure full cooperation in the ongoing response operations off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.

Nine crew members reportedly died due to the incident, while four others remain missing, said Encina.

The cause of the incident has also yet to be determined, but the PCG official emphasized that they are not discounting the possibility of a stability problem in the vessel.

So far, Encina reiterated that there were no signs of an oil spill in the surrounding waters where the ship overturned.

The Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Group – Southern Tagalog earlier deployed 10 segments or 250 meters of oil spill boom to mitigate possible oil spill resulting from the capsizing.