Capitol Site fire victims get brgy’s cash aid

CEBU, Philippines - Families that lost their homes and belongings in a fire last January 5 in Sitio Riverside, Barangay Capitol Site received financial assistance in a simple turnover ceremony yesterday morning at the barangay hall.

Capitol Site Barangay Captain Manuel Guanzon handed over P15,000 in cash to nine families whose houses were totally destroyed by fire while P2,000 was given each to two sharer-families.

 The barangay also handed P2,000 in cash to 14 house renters. 

Barangay Capitol Site has set aside P170,000 from their calamity fund.

According to Guanzon, the financial assistance they have extended was just an additional support to the fire victims while they wait for the relief assistance from the city government.

The city government is expected to hand over P10,000 to the family houseowners and P1,000 to renters and sharers. 

Guanzon said the beneficiaries shall decide where to spend the money they have received.

Investigators said the fire started on the second floor of the house owned by Rodulfo Quilala, which was also rented by Carlito Capa Jr., 42, a “pungko-pungko” vendor, who was not around at that time.

Initial investigation showed that a five-year-old child who lives in the same house told investigators that he saw the fire start but denied he was among the children playing with candles.

The children, who are his friends, were reportedly playing at the second floor. — (FREEMAN)