Fire-stricken sitio now under state of calamity

CEBU, Philippines — A state of calamity has been declared in Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, where a fire xx razed at least 270 houses Wednesday afternoon leaving over 1,000 individuals homeless.

The declaration was made yesterday during an emergency session called by Barangay Captain Isabelito Darnayla. The declaration will allow the barangay to utilize part of its P2.5 million calamity fund to help the fire victims.

Darnayla said the fire survivors are now temporarily sheltered at the barangay gym. He said most of them will be transferred to Basak Elementary School.

The fire last Wednesday resulted in the power outtage in some areas of Lapu-Lapu City almost the whole night. The power was only restored by the Mactan Electric Company at 3:30 a.m. yesterday after a 69KV transmission line and electric post affected by the fire was replaced.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Hadji Salisid of Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department said that the fire started at the house of Frederick Degamo. Salisid said it was allegedly caused by an electrical short circuit.

The fire investigator estimated the damage at P600,000 with 1,147 individuals affected.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza immediately ordered the distribuition of food packs, potable water, and canned goods to the fire victims. Radaza said the fire victims should report to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for profiling, which is needed to get financial assistance.

"Ang sa Basak, kay kagahapon pa man na, ang immediate ra gyud, ang barangay nag-prepare og panihapon. Gitagaan nato’g assurance ang mga tawo nga ang gobyerno naningkamot pud og unsay mahimo para sa ilaha. We encourage them to fill-up gyud sa profiling sa DSWD kay kung unsa unya'y ipanghatag nato, naa gyud sila to claim nga usa sila sa mga nasunogan,” she said.

Radaza said the city government can give a maximum of P10,000 financial assistance to each household. Since the area is also part of the property of Mactan Cebu International Airport, the barangay was advised to request the board to allow them to rebuild.

MCIAA assistant general manager Glenn Napuli said Darnayla should write a letter to the MCIAA Board so that the issue will be discussed. Napuli said it will depend on the decision of the board whether or not the victims can go back and rebuild their houses.

Napuli admitted that the MCIAA wants the area to be cleared for safety reasons, considering that the area’s proximity to the airport's runway. Darnayla said he has yet to communicate with the MCIAA officials. —FPL (FREEMAN)