Speed upidentification of ferry fire victims - President Marcos

MANILA, Philippines - President Marcos has ordered government agencies to mobilize specialists and resources to expedite the identification and transport of victims of the ferry fire in Coron, Palawan.

Citing official reports, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos said only five of the 76 confirmed fatalities in a fire involving the MV June Aster had been identified.

Abalos led a meeting with national government agencies and local officials in Coron yesterday on the directive of the President, who was in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit.

"The President's order is to deliver all help needed. We must mobilize the specialists, resources and funding needed to identify the victims as quickly and accurately as possible," Abalos said.

Forensic personnel are extracting molar teeth from the remains because dental tissue may still provide DNA samples that can be used for identification, according to Abalos, citing the Philippine National Police Forensics Unit.