'Ferry may have combustible cargo'

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking into the possibility that the ferry ship Mercarft 2, which caught fire off the coast of Real, Quezon on Monday that resulted in the death of seven persons, was carrying undeclared combustible materials on board which could explain why the blaze spread too fast.

PCG spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo said on Saturday that a passenger ship is not allowed to carry any additional petroleum products or flammable materials.