The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its search and rescue operations for eight people still missing after a fire aboard the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, in September.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said Saturday in an interview with DZRH that authorities remain committed to finding the missing individuals, composed of five passengers and three crew members.

“Ongoing pa rin ang ginagawang search and rescue ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), yan naman ang intensyon natin ang makita ang mga hinahanap natin.”

Cayabyab said the operation has not been downgraded to a retrieval mission because authorities have received reports that some of the missing individuals may have survived.

Search efforts include islands around Palawan and areas in Southern Tagalog where the missing people may have reached, she said.

The PCG is using a search and rescue optimization plan system to make the operation more systematic and scientific, Cayabyab said.

Authorities are also coordinating with neighboring provinces and coastal barangays while continuing information dissemination to gather leads on the missing individuals.

“Patuloy pa rin ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kalapit na probinsya at mga coastal barangays, continue pa rin ang ating information dissemination.”

The maritime disaster left 77 people dead and 43 survivors out of the 128 people aboard the vessel.

(News update via RH Tina Nolasco)