60 June Aster fire fatalities identified

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty of 77 fatalities in a fire that struck the motorized vessel June Aster in the waters off Coron, Palawan last month have been identified, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab said that the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday that 60 fatalities have been identified and 11 certificates of identification remain under process.

“The emergency operation center in Coron coordinated with families of 60 victims regarding the identification and claiming process. Two claimants visited the EOC to process the requirement, although no remains have been claimed yet,” Cayabyab.

The local government of Coron has established an assistance desk at the EOC to help affected families.

The desk is open from Monday to Thursday to facilitate the processing of documents and release of the remains.

As of yesterday, PCG figures on the June Aster tragedy stood at 77 fatalities, 43 survivors and eight still missing.

While it has been more than a month since the incident occurred, the PCG is still hoping that the missing people including five passengers and three crewmembers are still alive.

The ferry was sailing off the coast of Barangay Marcilla when it caught fire on Sept. 9.