159 families homeless: Undas fires kill 1, hurt 5

CEBU, Philippines — At least 94 houses were destroyed, leaving 159 families homeless, one person dead and five others injured, while property damage exceeded P50 million in four separate fire incidents that hit Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City during the observance of All Saints’ Day.

In Lapu-Lapu City, a fire broke out at Purok Rosal, Barangay Looc, at 11:12 p.m. on Sunday, destroying two residential structures and affecting six members of a family. A 38-year-old man from the family died, while two other men, aged 26 and 36, were injured.

The fire was placed under control at 11:32 p.m. and completely extinguished shortly before midnight.

In another incident, 21 houses were destroyed in a fire that hit Purok Saging, Barangay Canjulao, shortly after 7 p.m. The fire affected 29 families, or 89 individuals, who were forced to leave their homes. Among those affected were 14 senior citizens and one person with a disability.

The extent of property damage has yet to be determined, and no confirmed details were available on possible casualties.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan reported that a total of 23 houses were affected by the two fires in the city.

Cebu City

Meanwhile, two separate fires in Cebu City on Sunday left dozens of houses destroyed and displaced hundreds of residents, with the city government reporting more than 500 individuals affected in the second incident alone.

Senior Fire Officer 3 Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson of the Cebu City Fire Station, said one person was injured in the incidents, but no fatalities were reported.

The first fire broke out shortly after 5 p.m. at Wilson Street in Barangay Apas, engulfing a three-story house owned by Clark Gothong. The 608-square-meter residence, occupied by a family of 10, was completely destroyed.

Firefighters declared the blaze under control at 5:54 p.m. and completely extinguished at 7:48 p.m.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) estimated the damage at P48.64 million. No one was injured or killed in the first incident.

Another fire broke out at 6:11 p.m. in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Mambaling, affecting dozens of residential houses.

A lighted candle at a house owned by Lea Singson allegedly started the blaze, forcing hundreds of residents to flee and turning what was supposed to be a solemn family observance of All Saints’ Day into one of the city's biggest fire incidents this year.

Based on the latest report from the Cebu City Government, the fire affected 128 families, or 513 individuals. A total of 70 houses were damaged, with 63 completely destroyed and seven partially damaged.

The BFP said the fire reached the third alarm before it was declared under control at 7:35 p.m. One person was injured, while no fatalities were recorded. Property damage was estimated at P1.5 million.

Mayor Nestor Archival said initial information pointed to a candle used for All Saints’ Day offerings as the possible cause of the blaze.

"Mao ni, gigamit ang kandila sa paghalad. Kining kandila, kinahanglan naa gyud ni mag-atang," Archival said, stressing the need for constant supervision when candles are used inside homes.

The affected residents were temporarily housed at evacuation centers, including Kapazar Gym and Alaska Elementary School, while city personnel conducted registration and validation of fire victims and internally displaced persons.

Archival said the city government had already provided meals to displaced families and would extend assistance to all affected residents.

"Karon gitagaan nato'g pagkaon ang mga pamilya, tanang members," he said.

The mayor also reminded the public to remain vigilant not only when lighting candles but also when using electrical appliances.

"Pahimangno nato, ayaw mo paggamit og kandila kung walay magbantay," Archival said.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman Councilor Dave Tumulak echoed the warning.

"Dagkot og kandila sulod sa balay para sa mga kalag, nakalimtan, maoy hinungdan sa sunog. Amping kamo ug magdagkot kandila," Tumulak said.

Barangay Mambaling Captain Roseller Salvador appealed for donations and support for displaced families, saying assistance could be brought directly to the barangay hall or satellite office.

"Panahon karon sa pagtinabangay, dili panahon sa pagka-kanya-kanya kundi panahon sa pagtinabangay," Salvador said.

Despite the fire incidents, Archival described Undas 2026 and Operation Kalag-Kalag as a "big success," citing the generally peaceful observance across Cebu City and the absence of major incidents in cemeteries and memorial parks.

In a social media post, Archival thanked personnel from the Cebu City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Transportation Office, Department of Social Welfare and Services, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other city agencies, saying they worked together to ensure public safety during the annual observance. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Romeo Marantal