First bodies of Philippines ferry fire victims land as toll hits 35

The remains of ferry fire victims from the Philippines have arrived at a port near the resort town of Coron, Palawan. The toll from the M/V June Aster fire has reached 35, with the coast guard warning that more bodies are expected. Coast guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that the bodies were found in the ship's economy accommodation area.

Police investigators are preparing to take over the investigation, with authorities set to notify family members once identification is complete. The ferry ran aground near the tourist hotspot after a fire erupted on Wednesday evening, tearing through the vessel in seconds. Five others were confirmed dead immediately following the fire, while 54 people remain unaccounted for.

Rescue efforts have so far saved 30 passengers and 13 crew members. Myra Cabilan, who traveled to Coron to find her missing brother, expressed her loss of hope, stating that he remains unaccounted for a month after their business trip. The archipelago nation has a history of disasters involving inter-island ferries, with numerous accidents having occurred throughout its seas.