Student dies in Albay fire

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A graduating student of the Bicol University died in a fire that razed their home in Daraga, Albay Monday.

Mercy Blanca Manchus, 19, was first brought to the Bicol Training and Teaching Hospital, but was later transferred to a private hospital, where she died while undergoing treatment for burns.

Manchus was asleep at their home in Barangay Bagumbayan when a kerosene lamp fell.

The family reportedly has no electricity and uses kerosene lamps or candles, Senior Fire Officer 3 Jose Amoralde, Daraga fire station chief, said.

Manchus, an education major, was set to graduate with honors on March 27.