Food factory razed by fire in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines — A food processing factory in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City was gutted by fire yesterday dawn leaving at least P250,000 damage.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Noel Codilla said the fire started on the second floor of the building occupied by Lami Food Products Corporation. Codilla said they received the fire alarm at 4:38 a.m. and was declared under control at 4:59 a.m. It was completely put out at 8:42 a.m.

Codilla said responders from the Chinese fire brigade in Cebu City and barangay fire brigades in Mandaue City assisted them in the firefighting operation. No injury was reported during the incident.

Earlier this week, a fire in the neighboring city of Lapu-Lapu killed a nine-year-old boy in Purok Ube, Barangay Gun-ob.

James Sorbella was left alone by his grandmother and siblings when the fire broke out Sunday afternoon. Sorbella's charred body was found in between the jamb and the half-opened door, apparently trying to squeeze himself out from their burning house.

His grandmother was believed to have padlocked the door before leaving to attend a church service. (FREEMAN)