The Philippine National Police Forensic Group has identified 60 of the 71 victims whose identities were initially unknown following the fire aboard the M/V June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, in September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said 11 certificates of identification were still being processed as of Monday, Oct. 12, to complete the identification of the 71 victims.

“The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Coron, Palawan, has coordinated with 60 families regarding the identification and claiming process,” Cayabyab said in a statement.

“Two claimants have personally visited the EOC to process the necessary requirements, although no remains have been formally claimed,” the PCG official added.

To assist affected families, the local government has established a one-stop shop assistance desk at the operations center. It operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday to facilitate document processing and the orderly release of remains.

A total of 77 people died in the maritime tragedy, with 71 initially unidentified.

(News update via RH Tina Nolasco)