Police forensic experts have identified the remains of 60 people who died in the September 9 fire aboard MV June Aster, but no family has formally claimed any of them yet, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said, according to Palawan News.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Philippine National Police Forensic Group carried out the identification. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Coron has been coordinating with families on the requirements for claiming the remains.
“Two claimants have personally visited the EOC to process the necessary requirements, although no remains have been formally claimed,” Cayabyab said.
Help for Families
The Coron municipal government has set up a one-stop assistance desk to help families prepare the documents needed to release the remains.
- Schedule: Monday to Thursday
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Tragedy So Far
MV June Aster was bound for Coron with 128 passengers and crew when it caught fire on the evening of September 9.
According to PCG figures:
- 77 people died
- 43 survived
- 8 remain missing
Palawan News added that 11 more remains are undergoing DNA cross-matching for identification.
Why It Matters
Identification is only the first step for grieving families. The paperwork needed to bring loved ones home can be a heavy burden, which is why the Coron desk matters for families still waiting for closure.
