Philippine authorities have identified 34 survivors after a ferry carrying 862 people capsized off Sibuyan island in the central Philippines.

The authorities say they are still checking the identities of another group of 25 with all the rest remain missing.

The 23,800-ton ferry of the Sulpicio Lines, overturned after sailing into rough weather en route from Manila to central city of Cebu on Saturday.

Gloria Arroyo is Philippine President.

"The operator of the vessel should study carefully the typhoon movements to ensure that the vessel will not be within the danger area directly affected by the typhoon signals one, two, three and four within the danger sector until they reach their destinations."

Rescuers say they are sending divers to drill a hole on the hull, 1/ 15 of which still floated above the water.

Earlier Monday, Philippine navy divers who checked on the hull reported that there are "no signs of life" around the capsized passenger ferry.

The drilling is expected to process on Tuesday as the Navy announced that it would suspend rescue at night due to the insufficient equipments for late night operation.