MANILA, Philippines — Ongoing search and retrieval operations are still looking for 84 passengers as well as MV June Aster crew members as five fatalities were confirmed while 43 individuals have been accounted for, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday cited a manifest verification which indicated 117 ticketed passengers but only 115 boarded the ill-fated vessel along with 17 crew members.
Declaring the fire at the vessel controlled around 10:15 a.m., Friday after thorough safety assessment, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the burnt human remains were found within the ferry’s economy accommodation area.
Lopez said the PCG and the Philippine National Police have been undertaking proper recovery and identification of remains in accordance with established procedures.
“Oil spill booms have been laid out as a precaution, even after an assessment found no oil sheen in surrounding waters,” according to the DOTr chief.
Meanwhile, he said the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and PCG, both DOTr’s attached agencies, are intensifying efforts to assist survivors and families affected by the ferry fire in Coron, Palawan, prioritizing expedited insurance claims and sustained relief services.
The top DOTr official said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all concerned agencies to immediately attend to survivors and bereaved families, providing the support and compensation due them.
Lopez reiterated that the transportation department has been exhausting all regulatory and administrative levers to ensure claims move quickly and survivors are not burdened by delays.
"The needs of the bereaved families and the survivors remain the government's top priority. We will strive to promptly deliver aid and the compensation they deserve," Lopez said.
To expedite financial relief, MARINA issued a demand letter to Interclaim Adjuster Inc., directing its full participation in timely claims processing. Interclaim representatives will arrive in Coron on Saturday to address insurance queries and begin on-ground processing.
MARINA has also coordinated with the Insurance Commission, requesting its intervention to push vessel insurer Western Guaranty Corporation to speed up claims for survivors and bereaved families.
A dedicated Help Desk is now fully operational at the town hall with MARINA personnel working alongside representatives from other concerned government agencies to provide continuous assistance.
Lopez said he has instructions to the MARINA and PCG to continue working closely with all concerned agencies to ensure search and retrieval operations proceed without delay.
