Ferry Fire Exposes Fault Lines in Philippine Maritime Safety A recent fire on a passenger ferry off Palawan's coast has once again highlighted the Philippines' woefully inadequate maritime safety record.
The country's patchy history of ferry disasters, linked to overcrowding, rough weather, and lax enforcement of regulations, is a stark reminder of the need for urgent reform.
Ferry travel remains a vital lifeline for millions of Filipinos living in remote island communities, where boats are often the only means of transportation between provinces.