CEBU - The Cebu City Council yesterday passed a resolution declaring three sitios of barangay San Nicolas under the state of calamity following the fire that left almost 300 families homeless the other day.
The resolution submitted by Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council head Councilor Gerardo Carillo declared sitios Lupa, Bontores, and Kamanggahan under the state of calamity so they could avail of assistance from the city government.
Under the Local Government Code, “five percent of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set aside as annual lump sum appropriation for relief and other services in connection with calamities which may occur during the budget year.”
In a report submitted by city fire marshal Victor Vibares, the fire alarm was received at 2:28 p.m. of November 18.
The fire broke out in a thickly populated area where structures were mostly shanties. An estimated 100 houses were totally burned. Estimated fire loss amounted to P3 million.
Initially, the fire was found to have started at the house occupied by one Leonora Tabor where two of her grandchildren, ages four and five, were said to be playing matchsticks.
The fire was controlled in less than an hour by all available units of the Cebu City Fire Station, nearby cities and municipalities as well as the Cebu Fil-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, and the Philippine Air Force.
Also, Vibares informed that in the course of the suppression of fire, FO1 Aaron Clint Berin was punched by a resident for unknown reason; while an eight-year-old kid was rushed to the hospital where it was learned that the child is suffering from second-degree burns. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)