Senator Urges Swift Compensation for MV June Aster Victims

Senator Erwin T. Tulfo on Sunday called for immediate government action to deliver fair compensation to survivors and bereaved family members of the MV June Aster ferry fire. As of Sept. 17, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) identified a total of 128 persons onboard the ferry through verified ticket manifests, including 43 survivors, 77 dead, and eight missing. In a statement, the senator said this followed reports that grieving families were allegedly told to return home and wait for their loved ones’ remains. “Victims are coming to my office desperate for help because no one from the company is taking care of them after the incident. We cannot let this slide,” Mr. Tulfo said. Mr. Tulfo also urged the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority to fast-track investigations and hold the shipping company accountable. The PCG finished evidence gathering aboard the MV June Aster on Sept. 19, according to a Facebook update by PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie G. Cayabyab. A joint team including the PCG, Philippine National Police-Forensic Unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Coron Municipal Police, conducted the final sweep of the vessel. In the same update, the PCG noted that representatives of Atienza Interisland Ferries, Inc. and its hired salvor, C.V. Gaspar Salvage and Lighterage Corp., are discussing measures to expedite salvage operations. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety management in the Philippines and the effectiveness of post-accident victim support mechanisms.