How many MV June Aster fire victims have been identified?

Quick answer: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed that 60 of the fatalities in the MV June Aster fire in Coron, Palawan, have been identified, while the identification process for 11 others remains ongoing. Families of the identified victims are being helped to retrieve their loved ones' remains.

Key facts

• What: Identification update after the MV June Aster fire
• Where: Coron, Palawan, Philippines
• Confirmed: 60 fatalities identified; identification ongoing for 11 others
• Announced: 13 October 2026
• Source: Philippine Coast Guard, via Brigada News and ABS-CBN News
• Investigation: Ongoing, including the reported presence of an electric vehicle in the vessel's cargo hold

What happened

The MV June Aster fire in Coron, Palawan, was a major maritime disaster. In an update on 13 October 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that 60 of the fatalities have now been identified, while the identification process for 11 others remains ongoing.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Coron has coordinated with the families of the 60 identified victims regarding the identification and retrieval of their remains. Two claimants have personally visited the EOC to process the necessary requirements, although no remains have been formally claimed so far.

The Coron local government has established a one-stop-shop assistance desk at the EOC to help families process the release of the remains. The desk operates from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A single point of contact matters greatly for grieving families, who otherwise face separate steps with the Coast Guard, local government and funeral services.

The PCG is continuing its investigation into the fire, including the reported presence of an electric vehicle in the vessel's cargo hold when the incident occurred. Investigators will need to establish how the fire started and whether any safety rules were breached. We will update this article when the PCG releases its findings.

What happens next

Identification work continues for the remaining 11 victims, and families will be contacted as identifications are confirmed. The PCG investigation into the cause of the fire continues. We will update this article if the PCG announces further identifications or findings.

Ferry and maritime safety

• Passengers should note the location of life jackets, exits and muster points before a ferry departs
• Operators must follow cargo rules, including any restrictions on vehicles and batteries carried in cargo holds
• Families seeking information after a maritime disaster should contact the official Emergency Operations Center rather than relying on social-media lists
• Know the local emergency number before you travel — our emergency numbers directory covers every country

Frequently asked questions

How many MV June Aster fire victims have been identified?

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that 60 of the fatalities have been identified, while identification continues for 11 others.

Who announced the MV June Aster identification update?

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, speaking about the work of the Emergency Operations Center in Coron.

What help is available for families of MV June Aster victims?

The Coron local government has set up a one-stop-shop assistance desk at the EOC to help families process the release of remains. It operates Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Two claimants had visited the EOC to process requirements, although no remains had been formally claimed so far.

What is the PCG investigating about the MV June Aster fire?

The PCG is continuing its investigation into the fire, including the reported presence of an electric vehicle in the vessel's cargo hold when the incident occurred.