Ferry skipper caught off guard as fire spread fast

Inquirer.net - Sep 18, 2026

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — The skipper of MV June Aster, which caught fire last week while on its way to Coron, Palawan, said he ordered the crew to follow emergency procedures but was caught off guard by how quickly the blaze spread, killing at least 77 people. Captain Roel Sarmiento gave a sworn

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