“We are saddened by this incident and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family of those who lost their lives,” Nartatez said.
“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 added.
The fire aboard MV June Aster killed at least five people, while 43 passengers and crew members had been rescued as of Friday.
The Coast Guard revised the number of missing people to 84 after confirming that two individuals initially listed on the vessel’s manifest were not aboard.
The manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members when the ferry left Manila for Coron, Palawan.
Nartatez also ordered police units to help investigate the fire and determine possible liabilities.
Local police forces in coastal areas near the incident site were instructed to coordinate with barangay officials and assist search and rescue teams.
Police units were also directed to mobilize medical and emergency personnel to assist survivors and help identify the five fatalities before their remains are returned to their families.
The PNP said the operation was in line with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla for a coordinated government response to disasters and public emergencies.
