City, Rep. Gullas Assure victims’ aid: 70 homes lost in Talisay fire    

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 70 houses were reduced to ashes while three persons, including a four-year-old girl, were injured when a late night fire erupted in a residential area in Sitio Laray, Brgy. San Roque, Talisay City on Monday, February 6.

The Talisay City Fire Station said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. The fire was first reported at 10:42 p.m. on Monday, and reached the third alarm before it was finally put out at 11:50 p.m.

The fire devoured the almost 2,500-square meter land area, specifically located across a commercial mall near the South Road Properties (SRP).

Based on initial investigation, the fire broke out in a two-story residential house owned by Rona Donguines.

Authorities said around 40 fire trucks and fire brigades from Minglanilla, Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapulapu City coordinated for the fire to be extinguished.

A total of 91 families consisting of 394 individuals were left homeless by the blaze and who are currently housed in Barangay San Roque's gymnasium.

Three individuals were reportedly injured, including a 4-year-old girl, who sustained minor burns on different parts of her body. The two others were men who were said to have been electrocuted following the incident but are now in stable condition.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas said he has already directed the City Social Welfare Office (CSWO) to set up modular tents and other necessities at the evacuation area for the victims.

They were also served free breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Gullas said he was saddened by the incident, particularly knowing that a 22-year-old fire victim got electrocuted trying to save his belongings.

He said he has asked the city's social workers and the local disaster team to monitor his condition and hoped for his immediate recovery.

Gullas added that he is closely coordinating with the Talisay City Fire Station to identify the cause of the fire.

“Makaguol gyud kaayo ni nga panghitabo ug sayod ko nga dili lalim ang masunogan mao nga tabangan gyud mo sa inyong City Government,” Gullas said.

AID

Come Friday, the city government will start distributing financial assistance, but Gullas did not reveal how much.

“This coming Friday after breakfast, we will distribute the financial assistance from the city intended for them,” he said.

Gullas also said he also asked help from his wife, First District Representative Rhea Gullas, for some funds to add to the financial assistance of the fire victims.

“I was assured that madungan ang financial assistance ni Cong. Rhea inig Friday as well,” Gullas said.

Along with this, Gullas said he already told their CSWDO head Bebeth Solana to provide the needs of the fire victims “while we are still processing their assistance.”

A health station has also been set up at the evacuation center for their check-up.

“Naay mga doctors didto na makaresita sa mga tambal needed for everyone, from babies to senior citizens,” Gullas added.

The city government of Talisay also signed a memorandum of agreement with one pharmacy in the area so that all the medicines prescribed by the attending doctors during their checkup can be availed for free.

“Naka MOA nasad ta sa isa ka pharmacy duol didto para tanan resita gikan sa doctor sa evacuation area, igo ra ipakita nila didto human libre cla mahatagan ug tambal sa pharmacy,” said Gullas. – Caecent N. Magsumbol, JMD (FREEMAN)