Philippine ferry fire victims may take months to identify

The Philippine ferry fire that claimed 76 lives may take weeks or months to fully identify the victims, authorities announced on Sunday. Forensic experts are now collecting and comparing DNA samples from the charred remains found on board the vessel, which was en route from Manila to Coron in Palawan province. Some remains were discovered in clusters, while others were scattered across the ship. The ferry had already reached its destination when the fire broke out, carrying more than 130 people.

Forensic specialist Richard Allan Mangalip of the Philippine National Police explained that most of the bodies were in a charred condition, making identification challenging. Authorities are unable to provide a definitive timeline for the identification process due to the sheer volume of specimens that need to be examined. The death toll has since risen to 76 after rescuers recovered an additional 41 remains, leaving 13 people still unaccounted for.

Investigators have not yet fully searched flooded sections of the ship, where more victims could potentially be found.

Atienza Inter-Island Ferries, the shipowner, stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation. The Maritime Industry Authority, citing survivor accounts, reported that two explosions were heard inside the ferry shortly before the fire ignited. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities still trying to access key areas of the vessel, including flooded lower decks and the engine room, where crucial evidence may emerge to determine the origin of the disaster.