Palawan Officials Demand Accountability and Action After Deadly Ferry Fire

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — Officials from the provincial government of Palawan have called on the national government to take immediate action and ensure accountability following a fire that engulfed the ferry MV June Aster last week while it was transiting waters off Coron, Palawan. During their regular session on Tuesday, members of the provincial board raised concerns about the response to the incident, which saw the vessel catch fire while at sea, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. They are demanding that the national government take responsibility and outline concrete steps to address the situation. The provincial board members emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and stressed that measures must be put in place to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. They are calling for a review of maritime safety regulations and protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers. The incident has drawn attention to the safety standards of passenger ferries operating in the country, a vital mode of transportation for many Filipinos. The officials are urging swift and decisive action from national authorities to provide answers to the affected families and to reassure the public about the safety of sea travel.