PCG clarifies no missing passengers from Batangas ferry fire

The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday clarified that there were no missing passengers from the roll-on/roll-off ship MV Asia Philippines, which caught fire in the Batangas Anchorage on Friday, with all 47 passengers and 38 crewmen accounted for.

"The joint team confirmed that the two allegedly missing passengers took the 5 p.m., and not the 3 p.m. vessel trip," the PCG clarified on Paul Hernandez's Saturday "24 Oras Weekend" report.

However, a 43-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital due to injuries from the fire.

All 16 vehicles aboard the ship were found to be undamaged.

It took authorities three hours to put out the ship fire.

After the PCG, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and the military's Special Operations Unit South Tagalog walked through the vessel, they found that 90% of the third deck was burned, and 80% of the second deck was also damaged.

The investigation into the fire's cause was ongoing.

“Nagtatanong-tanong na po tayo para makapagsimula sa magiging inquiry. May nagsasabi na napansin nila yung apoy sa exhaust nung barko, pero yun ay inconclusive pa sa ganitong pagkakataon,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA suspended MV Asia Philippines' passenger ship safety certificate. The ship will also undergo an inspection under MARINA to determine if it is still safe to operate.

"Company officials are also coordinating with government authorities in the investigation of the incident. The management ensures that full assistance will be extended to all passengers and crew affected by the incident," said Starlite Ferries Incorporated, MV Asia Philippines' operator. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA News