Octogenarian dies in Talamban fire

CEBU, Philippines — An octogenarian perished in a fire that hit Sitio Banika, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City yesterday morning.

Victim Talino Biyong Litoy, 80, who is the father of the owner of the house, Cherry Litoy Matod, was not able to go out of the house, as he could no longer walk.

Senior Fire Officer 3 Lorenzo Cabigas of the Cebu City Fire Station said they were able to receive the alarm at around 9 a.m.  The responding team was able to place the fire under control 13 minutes after.

Litoy, who was then later on identified to be a person with disability and could not walk, was not able to go out of the house when the fire happened.

Fire Officer 2 Emerson Arceo said they found out that Litoy was left alone in their house since his daughter was not around during the incident.

Based on Litoy’s daughter’s statements, her father is living alone in that house.  She lives in a separate house.

The house of the victim was made of light materials and was totally burned.  The adjacent house of Doris Saberon was also damaged.  Saberon also suffered first degree burns at her lower back and on both elbows.

The Cebu City Fire Station estimated the damage at P50,000.

The University of San Carlos firefighters also volunteered to respond, along with the firemen from the Cebu City Fire Station. (FREEMAN)