Manila, Oct. 19 -- A total of 63 victims have so far been identified in the MV June Aster fire off Palawan that killed 77 onboard last September, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Friday.

The BFP reported this in a Palace briefing after presenting an artificial intelligence-generated narration of the events that led to the tragic ferry fire, based on survivors' accounts.

BFP officer-in-charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu said eight persons are still missing and the probe is ongoing to determine the lapses that allowed the vessel to sail despite issues with its engine and improper storage of flammable cargo and hazardous materials.

The investigation is looking into why the vessel was permitted to ...