Families of the victims of the MV June Aster disaster arrive at the stricken vessel in Coron, Palawan, September 26, 2026. Handout/Philippine Coast Guard
MANILA — The Maritime Industry Authority said its Enforcement Service has completed its investigation into the September fire that engulfed the passenger vessel MV June Aster in Coron, Palawan, which resulted in 77 deaths.
In an interview with the DZMM Teleradyo program "Yan Tayo", MARINA Region IV Regional Director Maximo Bañares Jr. said the investigation pointed to flammable cargo and improper stowage as possible sources of the fire.
Atty. Bañares, however, declined to identify the specific types of flammable cargo allegedly carried by the MV June Aster.
“Ayaw ko i-preempt pero parang yung mga karga po, maraming flammable na karga doon sa loob ng barko, and mali ata po yung pagkakalagay ng stowage ng mga karga po” Bañares said.
He stressed that flammable cargo must be properly stowed and handled and should not be carried together with passengers.
“May proper stowage po ’yan pag karga ng mga flammable, may proper handling po ’yan. At tama ka po, hindi po dapat isama ’yan sa mga pasahero po ng tao.” he added.
MARINA is expected to release the findings of its investigation in the coming days.
Families visit fire-ravaged MV June Aster weeks after tragedy
The probe is separate from the investigations being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine National Police.
Meanwhile, Bañares said representatives of Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the Insurance Commission, and MARINA have already met with the families of the victims regarding settlement assistance.
Injured passengers and survivors will receive P50,000 each, while the families of those who died will receive P250,000 for each victim.
“Naka-ready na po ang mga tseke, for pick-up na po ’yan” Bañares said.
The tragedy resulted in 77 deaths, with 71 victims still unidentified, while eight people remain missing and are still being searched for.