PNP to aid PCG in search for 87 missing from Palawan ferry fire

Policemen and villagers in Coron, Palawan, wait for updates as search and rescue operations continue on Thursday for the more than 80 missing passengers and crew of MV June Aster. The ferry caught fire on Wednesday night, killing at least five. —PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered its Maritime Group to assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in searching for the 87 individuals reported missing from a ferry fire near Palawan. “We are saddened by this incident and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of those who lost their lives,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Friday. “Time is crucial and essential for this kind of unfortunate incident and we continue to assist and deploy as many of our available personnel and resources to assist especially in the conduct of search and rescue for the missing passengers and crew,” he noted. Article continues after this advertisement READ: At least 5 dead, 87 missing in Palawan ferry fire – Coast Guard The M/V June Astor had been sailing some 2.2 kilometers off the coast of Coron, Palawan on Wednesday night when a fire had broken out. At least five people were confirmed dead during the tragedy, while 43 passengers and crew were rescued so far. Nartatez said the PNP will also aid in the investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire aboard the sea vessel. “The police investigation will complement the ongoing efforts of other government agencies to account for the missing passengers and crew members,” the top cop said. “It will also help establish the circumstances surrounding the fire,” he added. /mr Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.