Philippines Police have filed murder charges against the crew and owner of the ferry that overturned in rough waters outside Ormoc port, killing at least 56 people.
According to BBC, the Kim Nirvana was carrying 173 people when it capsized off the coast of Leyte on Thursday.
The possible causes of the ferry overturning are believed to be human error and overcrowding, according to the investigation.
Reports said that the boat's owner denied that it was overloaded, while the captain has said the vessel capsized because it was hit by large waves while turning.
Asher Dolina, a local police official, said that a total of 19 people have been charged, including the ship's owner Joge Bong Zarco and Captain Warren Oliviero.