Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) — An electric short circuit may have caused the fire that razed the MV Lady Mary Joy 3 along the waters of Basilan Province, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Manila Arson Team said Monday.
“Ang initial findings is the most probable cause of fire is electrical in nature,” Sr. Supt. Kadil Acalul said. “Lahat yung evidence collected dadalhin sa Manila for laboratory examination.”
[Translation: According to initial findings, the most probable cause of fire is electrical in nature. All of the evidence collected will be brought to Manila for laboratory examination.]
According to Acalul, the estimated damage is about ₱100 million.
On Monday, the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Nickson Alonzo terminated its search operations.
Earlier, the Basilan local government said the final death toll is at 28.
READ: No more bodies recovered from ill-fated ferry in Basilan
Acalul also said owner Aleson Shipping plans to tow the ferry back to Zamboanga City.
“For this date, hindi pa siya (investigation) terminated because of the evidence collected is subjected for laboratory examination,” he said.
[Translation: For this date, the investigation is not yet terminated because of the evidence collected is subjected for laboratory examination.]
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is also investigating the ill-fated ferry.
The vessel was carrying over 200 passengers when it caught fire last March 29.
