In the waters off Palawan, a ferry carrying 134 souls became a vessel of tragedy when fire consumed it faster than escape could be organized, claiming at least 35 lives and leaving 54 more unaccounted for. The disaster, which unfolded Wednesday night near the tourist town of Coron, is not merely an isolated catastrophe but a recurring wound in a nation whose thousands of islands make maritime travel both essential and perilous. As families wait at rescue centers unable to identify or embrace their dead, the fire joins a long and painful ledger of Philippine maritime losses — a reminder that th
Philippine ferry fire death toll reaches 35; 54 still missing
At least 35 people killed, 54 missing, and families unable to identify remains for proper burial; survivors suffered severe burns and trauma.