Old woman saved from fire

CEBU, Philippines - A fire destroyed a house and damaged a nearby warehouse in Sitio San Roquenian 1, Barangay Mambaling last night. Contrary to initial reports that a woman was killed, no one died during the fire.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Aderson Comar said the house was owned by Emiliano Zabate, who was not around when the fire broke out. Arlene Cabanes, a friend of Zabate who lives in the same house, said she was with her two sons on their way home from attending Mass at the nearby San Roque Parish when they saw fire trucks pass by.

After learning their house was on fire, she rushed home and braved the flames, convinced that her 78-year-old mother was still inside. The driver of Barangay Captain Rodolfo Estella eventually pulled her out, she was later to learn her mother was rescued by a neighbor and was safe.

“Mura na ko’g mabuang kay arthritison intawon tong akong mama, maglisod na og lakaw kay sakit na ang tuhod, nya nangutana mi sa mga silingan wa man daw maluwas akong mama,” she said.

Her mother said she was in the toilet when the power went down and she saw flames eating up the ceiling. She managed to walk fast outside the house until her neighbor saw her and helped her.

Comar said they are still investigating what triggered the fire but Cabanes blamed their helper, Priscila Ngujo, 57, who was allegedly seen cooking dinner using coconut husks. But Ngujo said that she saw something spark at the roof of the house before the blaze. She immediately saved her two-month grandson and ran outside for safety.

Damage was set at P75,000. — (FREEMAN)