Iloilo City fire razes 11 houses

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven houses were razed in a Thursday evening fire that struck Barangay Concepcion of City Proper, Iloilo City on May 18, 2017.

Superintendent Jerry Candido, Bureau of Fire Protection-Iloilo City fire marshall, said the fire that started 8:12 p.m. reduced to ashes eight houses, owned by Juliana Diel, Josefina Gabito, Kenneth Diel, Nenita Balajadia, Rudy David, Leah Clarence, Dahlia Daylisan and William Tullo.

Three other houses, partially razed, were owned by Wilfredo Gacita, Francis Tullo and Nancy Sobremesana.

Candido said the fire originated at the house of Juliana Diel. "The point of origin is on the wall of the southwest portion at the second floor of Juliana's house," he said, and it was believed that a short circuit of electrical wiring triggered the fire.

Damage to property was pegged at P1 million. Fire fighters put the fire under control at 8:40 p.m., and declared a fire out at 10:34 p.m.

Meanwhile, Candido, while leading the fire control efforts, suddenly lost consciousness and was rushed to the Iloilo St. Paul's Hospital but was released three hours after getting treatment.

Candido said he was diagnosed of hypoglycemia — also known as low blood sugar — which is a condition when the body's blood sugar decreases to below normal levels. (FREEMAN)