Families of Palawan ferry fire victims demand answers one week on

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Families of victims from the MV June Aster ferry fire remain in anguish as investigations into the deadly incident off Coron, Palawan continue with limited answers about the cause of the blaze.

The vessel caught fire in waters near Coron approximately one week ago, claiming multiple lives and leaving a dozen people still unaccounted for. The situation took a grimmer turn on Tuesday afternoon when a survivor succumbed to injuries sustained during the disaster, bringing the confirmed death toll higher.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing passengers. Meanwhile, investigators have launched inquiries into the circumstances that led to the fire, with preliminary findings yet to be disclosed to the public.

The tragedy has highlighted concerns about maritime safety and emergency response protocols in Philippine waters. Family members have called on authorities to provide transparent updates on the investigation and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials promising to release findings as the inquiry progresses.