Purok Rose in Mandaue under state of calamity

The members of the Mandaue City Council have declared Purok Rose, barangay Opao under a state of calamity after six houses caught fire last January 3.

The city council approved the recommendation of the City Disaster Coordinating Council, which also recommended for the release of the P42,000 as aid to the fire victims.

The CDCC said 12 families, with a total of 47 members, were affected by the fire. They were initially given canned goods, rice and other food items.

The fire victims are currently staying at the barangay's gym and in makeshift tents.

A certain Cirilita Batino, 54, sustained second degree burns in both legs, hands, and face.

Senior fire officer 1 Roy Garcia, fire investigator of the Mandaue City Fire Department said the fire started at the house of one Teofila Barzalote. The house was rented out to a certain Lea Laurante. Batino is Laurente's mother-in-law.

Faulty wiring is alleged to have caused the fire. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan