Politics · Philippines Bureau
Palawan demands federal accountability for deadly ferry disaster
Provincial officials in Palawan are pressing the national government to investigate and respond to last week's catastrophic fire aboard the MV June Aster near Coron, which claimed multiple lives.
LSN Philippines ·
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The Palawan Provincial Board has escalated calls for immediate action from national authorities following the maritime disaster that claimed lives when fire swept through the passenger ferry MV June Aster last week off Coron.
During their regular session on Tuesday, provincial board members voiced serious concerns about the incident and its handling, demanding comprehensive federal intervention and accountability measures.
The MV June Aster caught fire while transiting waters in the Coron area, resulting in significant casualties among passengers and crew aboard the vessel. The exact death toll and circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation.
Provincial officials contend that the incident underscores critical gaps in maritime safety enforcement and regulation across Philippine waters. The board's formal action signals growing pressure on national agencies to strengthen oversight of inter-island ferry operations and implement stricter safety protocols.
The national government has not yet issued a formal response to the provincial board's demands for action and accountability.