PCG: 60 of 77 victims in MV June Aster ferry fire identified

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said 60 of the 77 people who died in the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Palawan, on Sept. 9 have been identified.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Philippine National Police Forensic Group identified the victims through DNA testing.

As of Oct. 12, 11 certificates of identification were still being processed.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: 50 of 71 killed in ferry fire identified

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Coron, Palawan, has coordinated with 60 families regarding the identification and claiming process,” Cayabyab said.

“Two claimants have personally visited the EOC to process the necessary requirements, although no remains have been formally claimed,” she added.

According to the ferry’s manifest, 128 passengers and crew members were aboard when it caught fire on Sept. 9 while traveling from Manila to Palawan.

Authorities have accounted for 43 survivors, while eight people remain missing.

The PCG said a one-stop shop assistance desk at the EOC is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday to Thursday to help affected families process the necessary documents and facilitate the release of remains. /mcm