A fire erupted on a ferry off the coast of Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, resulting in five confirmed deaths and over 80 individuals reported missing. The Philippine Coast Guard reported the incident on Thursday, initiating search and rescue operations. The ferry was traveling in waters near Palawan when the fire broke out, causing widespread panic among passengers and crew. Authorities are currently working to locate the missing individuals and investigate the cause of the blaze. Details regarding the number of passengers onboard and the vessel’s destination are still being gathered. The incident highlights safety concerns regarding passenger ferries in the Philippines, and a full investigation is underway.