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A passenger ferry carrying more than 850 people between Philippine islands caught fire early Friday near Manila, sending panicked passengers jumping into the sea.

One person died, 12 were injured and scores were missing.

Of the more than 100 passengers unaccounted for, it was unclear whether they were picked up by fishing boats, were trapped inside the blazing ferry or had disappeared after jumping into the sea, Coast Guard Commodore Ramon Liwag said.

Twice the fire appeared to be out, only to rekindle.

At least 737 people had been rescued and one body recovered.

An additional 12 people were injured, the coast guard said.