1 dead, 229 families homeless in Metro Manila fires

MANILA, Philippines — A man died while two others were injured when two fires broke out in Mandaluyong and Quezon City since Friday.

The incidents also left at least 229 families homeless.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that Vener Laygo, 53, died when flames engulfed the Laygos’ two-story home and at least 111 more houses, destroying around P1.12 million worth of property on Friday afternoon.

Laygo’s 48-year-old brother, Anthony, is recuperating from serious burn injuries at the Mandaluyong City Medical Center.

The fire also displaced 225 families or 900 individuals, who spent Christmas Eve in an evacuation center.

The BFP said the fire along Pitong Gatang street in Barangay Old Zaniga broke out at around 4;55 p.m. and reached second alarm. Firefighters put out the flames at around 8:41 p.m.

Arson probers said they are investigating the cause of the fire, which originated at the Laygo family’s house.

The crews of 63 fire trucks and four ambulances rushed to the scene.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy was injured in a fire that destroyed four houses in Quezon City yesterday.

The BFP said the fire along San Simon street in Barangay Holy Spirit started at around 8:30 a.m. and reached first alarm before it was doused by firefighters at around 8:56 a.m.

The minor was treated for minor burns on his left foot.

Four families were displaced in the fire, which destroyed P75,000 worth of property.