Inquirer·Philippines·

Coast Guard expands search for survivors of Palawan ferry blaze

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Madonna T. Virola

In this photo taken on Saturday (Sept. 12), personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard conduct search-and-rescue operations for missing passengers and possible survivors following a fire aboard the passenger vessel MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan. The PCG has expanded its search efforts to coastal communities in Mindoro. — In this photo taken on Saturday, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard conduct search-and-rescue operations for missing passengers and possible survivors following a fire aboard the passenger vessel MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan. The PCG has expanded its search efforts to coastal communities in Mindoro. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expanded its search-and-rescue operations to coastal communities in Mindoro for possible survivors of the fire that hit passenger vessel MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan.

The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog on Sunday said it is coordinating with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, coastal barangays, and local fishermen in Mindoro amid the possibility that some passengers may have drifted or were carried by currents to the area.

Fishermen and coastal residents were urged to remain alert and immediately report any person who may be a survivor or missing passenger.

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The agency also warned the public against sharing unverified information on social media, saying false reports could cause unnecessary fear and distress among the families of passengers.

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Anyone who finds or receives information about possible survivors or missing passengers may report to the nearest Coast Guard station or barangay hall, the PCG said.

The PCG provided the following contact numbers for reports:

Coast Guard Station Batangas: 0956-904-6652
Coast Guard Station Oriental Mindoro: 0975-542-6908
Coast Guard Station Occidental Mindoro: 0945-266-2085
Coast Guard Station Northern Quezon: 0931-764-0859
Coast Guard Station Marinduque: 0930-430-3182
Coast Guard Station Romblon: 0930-137-7821
Coast Guard Station Southern Quezon: 0905-429-8563

The expansion of search operations comes as search and rescue personnel recovered 41 more charred bodies from the fire-struck vessel on Saturday night.

The latest recoveries brought the number of fatalities from the ill-fated ship to 76. The number of survivors remains at 43, while 13 people are still unaccounted for.

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PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab also stated that a casket with remains inside and the cadaver of a dog were among those recovered from the ship.

The retrieved bodies were transferred to PCG vessel BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV 4411) and are scheduled to be transported to Port of Borac for proper disposition and further documentation. /gsg

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