MANILA— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) transported the remains of 10 identified victims of the M/V June Aster incident from Coron to El Nido, Palawan, on Sunday to assist their families with the transfer.

The PCG vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) departed the Port of Coron for San Fernando Port in El Nido carrying the victims’ remains, 20 family members and Coast Guard personnel on Oct. 18.

The transport forms part of the PCG’s continuing response to the maritime incident and aims to ensure the safe transfer of the remains while providing assistance to bereaved families.

As of Sunday, 38 identified bodies had been exhumed, with claimants identified, according to the PCG. Of these, 26 had been released to their families, while 11 were scheduled to be transported to Manila on the same day. One body remained at 5R Funeral Home.

The 26 bodies released to their families were distributed across Palawan, with two in Coron, four in Busuanga, one in Culion, two in Linapacan, seven in Puerto Princesa City and 10 in El Nido.

Meanwhile, 67 of the 71 cadavers had been identified as of Oct. 18.

The PCG said it remained committed to assisting affected families and supporting ongoing response operations in coordination with concerned authorities.