Key facts
- The MV June Aster ferry fire killed 76 people.
- Identification of victims may take weeks or months.
- Many victims' remains are severely charred.
- 43 people survived the disaster.
- 13 people remain unaccounted for.
- The fire started in the cargo hold and spread rapidly.
Philippine authorities announced on Sunday that identifying the 76 victims of a ferry fire that occurred last week could take weeks or months. Richard Allan Mangalip, a forensic specialist with the Philippine National Police, stated that many of the victims' remains are in a charred condition, making identification difficult. Family members are being asked to assist with identification using personal items or DNA samples. The MV June Aster was en route from Manila to the popular holiday destination of Coron in Palawan province when a fire ignited in its cargo hold and quickly spread. Of the passengers and crew on board, 43 survived, while 13 remain missing. Mangalip indicated that the police are doing their best to gather any possible identifying marks, but the timeline for completion is uncertain due to the volume of specimens. A coast guard official had previously stated on Saturday that the immediate priorities were identifying the victims and determining the cause of the blaze. Survivors recounted hearing an explosion before the fire erupted, leading to chaos on board, with many succumbing to the flames. Mangalip noted that some victims' remains were found clustered together. The Philippine Coast Guard expressed empathy for the survivors and families awaiting news, acknowledging their ongoing pain and uncertainty as recovery and identification efforts continue.