Forensic teams face months identifying ferry victims

Forensic investigators face weeks or even months of work to identify victims of the M/V June Aster tragedy, most of whom were recovered severely burned from the ferry’s wreckage in Coron, Palawan.

Authorities said Sunday that only five of the 76 confirmed fatalities had been identified so far, while the remains of 71 others were described by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory as “totally charred.”

Forensic personnel are extracting molar teeth from the remains because dental tissue may still yield DNA samples.

The PNP Forensics Unit requested additional forensic odontologists after only one specialist was initially available to perform the procedure. Volunteer dentists have since joined the effort.

The PNP also sought support to transport specimens to its national headquarters for examination.

Police Lt. Col. Richard Mangalip, a victim-identification specialist, said most of the recovered bodies were badly burned and that the identification process could take “weeks or months.”

Explosion

The Coast Guard confirmed Saturday that 41 more bodies had been recovered aboard the 24-year-old roll-on, roll-off ferry, bringing the death toll to 76.

Thirty passengers, including two Chilean nationals, and 13 crew members were rescued, while five others were declared dead shortly after the fire.

The ferry caught fire after an explosion in its hold while carrying passengers bound for Coron. The blaze reportedly swept through the vessel within seconds.

Search operations continued Sunday, with the cargo deck and engine room still needing to be examined. About 13 people remained missing, including the ship’s captain, although inaccurate passenger manifests complicated the accounting.

Coast Guard Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the immediate priority was to recover any additional victims. Some remains may be temporarily buried pending identification.

Aid ordered

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to assist the victims’ families. Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the government was mobilizing specialists and resources to speed up the identification process.

Abalos also directed agencies to coordinate with local officials and provide families with verified updates.

The ferry’s owner, Atienza Interisland Ferries, said it was too early to determine whether negligence contributed to the tragedy.