The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said 60 of the 71 burnt fatalities in the September 9 fire that hit the passenger and cargo vessel MV June Aster off Palawan have been identified.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the 60 were identified by the PNP Forensic Group which conducted DNA cross-matching tests.
Cayabyab said efforts are still underway to establish the identities of the 11 other victims as of Monday.
“The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Coron, Palawan, has coordinated with 60 families regarding the identification and claiming process,” Cayabyab said.
Cayabyab said families of the already-identified victims have already appeared before the EOC.
“Two claimants have personally visited the EOC to process the necessary requirements, although no remains have been formally claimed,” Cayabyab also said.
Cayabyab said the local government unit has established a one-stop shop assistance desk at the EOC to extend assistance to the affected families.
“The desk operates from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., to facilitate the processing of documents and orderly release of remains,” the PCG said in a statement.
MV June Aster caught fire off Coron, Palawan last September 9, a day after departing a port in Baseco, Manila.
Seventy-seven passengers and crew died and eight remain missing due to the mishap. Six of the fatalities were identified shortly after their remains were recovered.