2 siblings die in Caloocan fire

MANILA, Philippines — Two children died while their youngest sibling was seriously injured when a fire broke out at their house in Caloocan City before dawn yesterday.

Cedric James Baleros, 8, and his sister Cloe Kate, 6, died while being treated at Manila Central University Hospital.

Their four-year-old sibling, Alexandra, remains in critical condition at the East Avenue Medical Center.

Jaymart Jeresano, 16, and Eloisa Enzo, 21, suffered minor injuries. They were discharged from the hospital.

Fire Officer 1 Cristina Jarabelo of the Caloocan Bureau of Fire Protection said the blaze started on the second floor of the Baleros’ house along M. de Castro street, Barangay 155 in Bagong Barrio at around 12:30 a.m.

Jarabelo said the fire reached the first alarm before it was declared under control at around 2:20 a.m.

Residents said there was a power outage in the area and the Baleros family had been using candles prior to the fire.

Neighbors tried to rescue the siblings but they were trapped as the door was locked.

Arson probers said the children’s father left them to buy food.

Damage to property was placed at P15,000.