A ferry fire in the Philippines has claimed at least 35 lives, with more bodies recovered in the aftermath, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred in a coastal area, has left families in deep grief, struggling to come to terms with the loss. One mother, Lira Daco, described the anguish of waiting for news about her missing daughter, Cyriel, who was reportedly trapped in the flames.

Emergency services worked through the night to recover victims from the wreckage, which was found partially burned in the water. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of people on board, but early reports suggest the vessel was carrying a large number of passengers. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial findings point to a possible electrical fault.

Local authorities have urged families to remain patient as the search continues. The tragedy has sparked a wave of condolences across the country, with many expressing solidarity with the victims’ loved ones. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety in the region.

Authorities are now focusing on improving emergency response protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.