Ferry catches fire in Cebu

A passenger ferry caught fire Monday while docked at the port of Mandaue City in Cebu province in central Philippines, a spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard said. Initial reports reaching the PCG headquarters in Manila said fire struck M/V Manila Bay 1 at 10:30 a.m. The fire was said to have erupted at the vessel's upper deck. There were no reported casualties in the fire, said PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Joseph Coyme. The fire was put out at 12 noon even as damage was yet to be determined. The ill-fated vessel was said to be owned by Gothong Shipping Lines. Coyme said investigators are still determining the cause of the fire. " The PCG-Cebu is determining the cause of fire whether it is an accident or not. But as of now, they are still gathering debris/samples from the fire scene. We do not want to speculate." Reports said the vessel was scheduled to leave Cebu Monday night toward Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. The fire came as the PCG is on heightened alert in preparation for the Valentines Day Bombings anniversary. Vice Admiral Damian Carlos, PCG Commandant, earlier placed PCG on high alert status for 24 hour round the clock to thwart possible terror attacks. The PCG increased the visibility in all ports nationwide, especially the ports of Manila, Mindanao and Cebu. "The PCG is on heightened alert. We also strengthen our intelligence network to ensure the safety of the passengers," Carlos said. - GMANews.TV