Fire hits Pasay

Some 120 families were left homeless after a fire hit a residential area near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City yesterday afternoon.

More than 80 houses were destroyed by the blaze, which started at around 1:30 p.m. from the two-story house of a certain Clemente Orgasin on Sun Valley Drive near MIA Road.

Probers said the blaze immediately reached Task Force Alpha an hour later, prompting all units of the fire departments all over Metro Manila to respond.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Vicente Godines said three people in the area were hurt as residents ran in panic as the flames spread.

Those hurt were identified as Gideon Tagra, 40; Ernan Gonzales, 67; and Felix Bautista, 21.

All three were rushed to Pasay City General Hospital, where they received treatment.

The fire was declared under control at exactly 2:47 p.m. As of press time, however, the fire had yet to be completely put out.

Godines estimated the cost of damage at P5 million.

Investigators said they have yet to determine the cause of the fire, but admitted that faulty electrical wiring could have sparked the fire since it started from the ceiling at the first floor of Orgasin’s house. — Edu Punay