However, at least 29 people are reported missing after the 1,865-gt ro-pax
Maharlika II (built 1984) sank in bad weather on Saturday.
Reports say the government-owned vessel, which had sailed Lipata Port for
Liloan Port to the south, lost steering due to rough seas.
Coast Guard officials said search and rescue efforts continued into Sunday as
it was uncertain how many passengers and crew had been aboard the ship.
The Philippines has an appalling record when it comes to the safety of its
inter-island ferry network.
Frequent storms, badly maintained vessels and weak enforcement of safety
regulations have been blamed for past accidents.
One of the worst incidents came in 1987 when the ferry Dona Paz sank after
colliding with a fuel tanker, killing more than 4,300
people.