Palawan: Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., on Friday directed the PNP Maritime Group (MG) to intensify its search and rescue efforts for individuals who remain unaccounted for after a fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry in Palawan. Nartatez has instructed PNP-MG personnel to collaborate with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local government units in the ongoing search for the missing individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, at least five people have been confirmed dead following the sea tragedy, while approximately 43 passengers and crew have been rescued since the incident occurred on Wednesday night. The ill-fated MV June Aster was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members on its journey from Manila to Coron, Palawan, based on the passenger manifest. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 87 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Nartatez expressed his sorrow over the incident, extending sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives. He emphasized the importance of time in such incidents and assured that the PNP will continue to deploy as many personnel and resources as possible to assist in the search and rescue operations for the missing passengers and crew.

Additionally, Nartatez has ordered police units to assist in investigating the cause of the fire and to establish potential liabilities. The police investigation aims to complement other government agencies' efforts to account for the missing individuals and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Local police forces, especially in coastal areas near the tragedy site, have been tasked to coordinate with barangay officials for search and rescue assistance. Furthermore, local police units are mobilizing medical and response teams to care for survivors and assist in identifying the deceased for transporting them to their families.