THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has taken into custody the captain of the ill-fated passenger vessel that caught on fire off Real, Quezon, resulting in the killing of seven people.

PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said the captain, identified as John Lerry Escareces, will undergo questioning as part of the investigation on the incident.

He said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered to look into all the possible angles as to the cause of the fire.

The Maritime Industry Authority will also conduct a parallel investigation on the incident.

Some survivors said they heard a loud explosion from the vessel’s engine room and it may have caused the blaze.

"May mga nagsasabi na may narinig silang pagsabog mula sa engine, base sa mga nakalap namin sa inisyal na pagtatanong sa mga nakaligtas na pasahero," Balilo said in a television interview.

"Kung sa engine room nagsimula (ang sunog), dapat hindi nakaligtas ang crew na nandoon... Maaaring hindi doon nagsimula ang sunog," he added.

The M/V Mercraft 2 caught fire around 5 a.m. at about 1,000 yards from the Port of Real with 134 passengers and crewmen aboard.

Among the seven fatalities were Escareces’ mother, Charito, 57 years old. His father survived.

Balilo said 24 persons were injured, of which three were in critical condition.

He said the owner of the vessel has assured the provision of assistance to the victims. (SunStar Philippines)