Mabolo fire leaves 20 people homeless

CEBU, Philippines - At least six houses were razed by fire in Sitio Lahing-Lahing, Barangay Mabolo yesterday afternoon leaving over 20 individuals homeless and P200,000 worth of damage.

Fire investigator Ramero Amantiad said the fire started in the house occupied by Mernalyn Ortega and Emie Ybañez at 1:05 p.m. which was immediately raised to second alarm.

Amantiad said the fire was declared under control 10 minutes later and was formally declared fire-out by Cebu City Fire Marshal Aderson Comar at 1:39 p.m. On top of the six houses that were razed, two other houses were destroyed.

Amantiad said they are yet to determine the cause of fire. “Under investigation pa ni kay wala may linya sa kuryente ang origin sa fire,” he said.

According to Amantiad, all of the affected houses were made of light materials. The firefighters also have difficulty in penetrating the area because it is located within the three-meter easement zone along the creek.

Mabolo Barangay Captain Reynaldo B. Ompoc said the affected individuals will be temporarily housed in the barangay gym.

“Ipauna namo og lihok ang kinahanglanon sa mga nasunugan… mga higdaanan, ug pagkaon,” he said. Asked if the affected residents can rebuild their houses considering the area is within the three-meter easement zone, Ompoc said he could not make an assurance.

“Mas maayo kung ang City Hall ang musulti…di ko ka-sulti if makabalik pa ba sila,” Ompoc said. — (FREEMAN)