Fire aboard Philippine passenger ferry kills 5, leaves 87 missing

A fire erupted on a passenger ferry operating in the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of five passengers and leaving 87 others unaccounted for. The vessel was carrying a large number of commuters when the blaze broke out, prompting an immediate emergency response. Rescue teams, including coast guard units and local authorities, were dispatched to the scene to contain the fire and locate the missing. Officials have set up a command centre to coordinate search‑and‑rescue efforts, using boats and helicopters to scour the surrounding waters. The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into safety protocols on passenger vessels, as authorities work to determine the cause of the fire and prevent future tragedies.