Probable arson in Opao fire: 1 dead, hundreds homeless in blaze

CEBU, Philippines - A woman died in a noontime blaze that razed almost a hundred houses in sitio Villamangga of barangay Opao, Mandaue City.

There is suspicion of arson, but authorities are still investigating the real cause of the blaze.

Charred to death was Eulalia Ytol, 56, who went back inside her burning house to retrieve some valuables.

The fire was tapped at 11:24 a.m., but the firefighters found it difficult to reach the area as there is no access road.

Mandaue City Fire Marshal Oscar Mayol said that the firemen had to connect several lengths to the hose just to reach the area. Willy Ytol, husband of the fatality, said that he and his wife along with a daughter and a granddaughter were already in a safe area with some of their valuables.

He said that Eulalia decided to return to get some important documents and cash that were left in the house with their daughter Jennifer.

She never made it back.

Jennifer said that when they got back, their house was already being eaten by the fire.

She tried to stop her mother from going in, but she insisted so they got inside the structure.

Eulalia lost consciousness due to suffocation and Jennifer could not anymore pull her out forcing her to save herself.

The daughter of the fatality also suffered burns on her hands.

The remains of Eulalia were found at 2 p.m.

Mayol said that the blaze quickly spread as most houses were made of light materials.

During the initial investigation of the fire probers, there were at least two witnesses with different stories.

Opao barangay captain Joy Ouano said that a six-year-old girl claims to have seen woman set fire to a pile of plastic behind the house of the Soronio family, where the fire reportedly started.

Another witness however said that he saw some sparks from the roof of the Soronio residence before the fire started.

Mayol said that they would be inviting witnesses today.

A member of the Soronio family alleged that she had a fight with a certain Jessa a week ago. She said that the woman threatened to burn their house, but she did not take it seriously until yesterday’s incident.

Ouano has appealed for help for her constituents.

The victims are temporarily housed at the Opao gym and at the Don Gerardo Ouano National High School.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes also personally went to the fire scene yesterday and immediately ordered the City Social Welfare Services to prepare cooked food for three days for the fire victims.

The mayor also ordered the City Disaster Coordinating Council to immediately convene so it can declare the area under state of calamity so that additional aid can be extended to the fire victims. — /NLQ (THE FREEMAN)