Philippine Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 76, Identification May Take Months

Authorities in the Philippines stated on Sunday that identifying the 76 victims of a ferry fire could take weeks or months, as forensic experts began collecting and comparing DNA samples from charred remains.

Forensic specialist Richard Allan Mangalip from the Philippine National Police noted some remains were clustered, while others were scattered. Rescuers recovered 41 additional remains from the MV June Aster ferry on Saturday, raising the confirmed death toll to 76. Thirteen people remain unaccounted for. The vessel was carrying more than 130 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, and was nearing its destination of Coron, Palawan province, after a 20-hour trip from Manila when the blaze erupted on Wednesday at about 6:45 pm local time.

Thirty passengers, including two Chilean nationals, and 13 crew members were rescued, with many receiving hospital treatment. The fire began in a cargo hold before spreading rapidly, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab. Survivors reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by smoke and fire that spread very quickly, leaving no time to put on lifejackets.

Recovery efforts were initially hampered by toxic fumes and lingering heat, preventing authorities from boarding until Friday. Firefighters extinguished the blaze more than a day after it broke out. The MV June Aster, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March. Investigators are examining potential manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency response protocols.

Atienza Interisland Ferries, the vessel's operator, has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry. Officials stated more remains could still be found as flooded sections of the vessel have not been fully searched. The cause of the fire is under investigation.