Fire in Cebu City leaves 182 families homeless

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 125 houses were razed by fire Monday dawn in Sitio Labsalex, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City leaving 182 families homeless and four persons injured.

Police took custody of dismissed cop Richard Sumalinog who allegedly started the fire by leaving a lighted candle unattended. Senior Fire Officer 1 Novo Erano, fire investigator, said that witnesses accused Sumalinog of leaving a lighted candle in his house resulting in the conflagration.

"According sa Silingan, katong police nga na dismissed naman siguro ni sya…mag sige daw ni sya gamit og kandila sa ilang balay, nya mag daob-daob daw na sya, katong panghitabo wala daw sya sa iyang balay that time, nakit-an nalang sa mga silingan nagsiga nalang ning balay ni Richard," said Erano.

He said the statements of the witnesses will be verified and if proven to be true, Sumalinog will be charged with arson. 

  "Assessment pud namo ganina, mura’g blangko gyud siya, murag tama (high) kaayo…di pa sad ta ka conclude karon nga syay gasunog kay di pa sya maistorya og tarong, ga siga lang ang mata," said Erano.

Four people were injured during the fire. They were identified as Jonas Gamora, 23; Janus Parba; Gamaliel Bargamento, 27; and Rommel Hermoso, 47. Damage to properties was pegged at P1.5 million.

Erano said they received the fire alarm at 2:39 a.m. which was raised to second alarm at 2: 45 am. It was declared under control at around 3:45 a.m. and completely extinguished at around 4:13 a.m.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak said the fire victims are temporarily sheltered at Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School.

Tumulak said that personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) are conducting a profiling of the victims to determine their exact number.

As of 4pm yesterday, DSWS has counted 182 families and 688 individuals affected by the fire.

The city government has provided packed meals to the victims. It will continue within the next three days.

Acting Mayor Michael Rama has directed the City Health Department (CHD) and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to establish a healthcare section and to deploy men in uniform in the evacuation center.

He also reminded Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros to be ready as a state of calamity may be declared in due time. — Mary Ruth R. Malinao, FPL (FREEMAN)