Coast Guard Probes Cargo of Sunken Ferry for Possible Misdeclaration

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating whether cargo aboard MV June Aster was misdeclared and may have contributed to the fire that killed 77 people off Coron, Palawan. PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said investigators would compare the vessel’s cargo with the manifest submitted by its captain as they look into the cause of the fire. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in the country’s maritime transport sector, particularly the proper handling and declaration of cargo on passenger ferries. Officials are working to determine if any undeclared or hazardous materials were on board that could have exacerbated the fire, which broke out on the ferry while it was at sea. The PCG has been actively involved in rescue and recovery operations following the incident and is committed to a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.