Fire razes 20 houses in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines — At least 20 houses were razed by fire in Barangay Opao, Mandaue City yesterday afternoon leaving several families homeless.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Noel Codilla of Mandaue City Fire Station said they are checking information that a child playing matchsticks inside the house of Edna Bonsit started the blaze.

"More or less 20 houses (ang naigo). Ang istorya nila, bata kuno gaduwa og posporo," Codilla said.

The 40-minute fire was reported at around 5 p.m. and was raised to task force Alpha at 5:17 p.m. No estimate of the damage as of press time but there were two persons injured.

Jessie Perez, officer-in-charge of the City Social Welfare Services, said they have provided meals and food packs to the affected residents who are now temporarily sheltered at the barangay gym. He said they are still collating the number of families affected.

"Tagaan nato sila og hot meals good for three days, and tagaan sad nato sila og relief goods sama sa bugas," he said. (FREEMAN)