World · Philippines Bureau
PCG identifies 60 of 77 victims from Coron ferry disaster
The Philippine Coast Guard says DNA testing has confirmed the identities of 60 people killed in the MV June Aster fire last month off Palawan. The September 9 incident claimed 77 lives, with identification efforts continuing for the remaining victims.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard reported Tuesday that authorities have identified 60 of the 77 victims from the MV June Aster ferry fire that struck off Coron, Palawan, on September 9.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Philippine National Police Forensic Group used DNA testing to confirm the identities of the victims. The process has allowed families and authorities to establish official death records for the majority of those who perished in the maritime disaster.
The identification effort represents a significant step in the response to the incident, which ranked among the deadliest maritime accidents in Philippine waters in recent years. Authorities continue working to identify the remaining 17 victims through ongoing forensic analysis and DNA matching procedures.
The cause of the fire aboard the passenger ferry remains under investigation. The incident reignited discussions about maritime safety standards and passenger vessel regulations in the Philippines.