MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is extending full operational and forensic support to investigate the catastrophic fire aboard MV June Aster off Palawan, as authorities seek to determine the cause of the blaze that claimed at least 77 lives.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. confirmed that police personnel and equipment are deployed to assist the multi-agency inquiry into the September 9 tragedy, which occurred shortly before the passenger vessel was scheduled to dock in Coron.
“The PNP fully supports the creation of the inter-agency task force. We will provide the necessary forensic, investigative, and law enforcement support to help establish the facts and determine accountability, if warranted,” Nartatez said.
The formation of the joint task force was finalized during a high-level coordination meeting on Friday, September 18, presided over by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and attended by police leadership alongside Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
Operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, MV June Aster was en route from Manila to Palawan when flames engulfed the ship, causing it to run aground off the coast of Coron. Official tallies report 77 dead, 43 rescued, and eight individuals remaining missing.
PNP forensic experts have been assisting in identifying badly burned remains and collaborating with PCG teams during secondary sweeps of the vessel to gather physical evidence.
The inter-agency body will inspect the ferry’s operational protocols and streamline intelligence-sharing across participating law enforcement arms.
“We assure the public that the PNP will conduct its part of the investigation objectively, preserve all available evidence, and follow due process. Our priority is to establish the truth and ensure that those who may be responsible are held accountable under the law,” Nartatez added.
Nartatez instructed regional units to maintain assistance for grieving families through DNA and forensic processing.
Additionally, dedicated police help desks have been set up in Coron and Manila alongside the DILG and PCG to provide ongoing investigative and psychosocial assistance to survivors and victims’ relatives.