San Fernando market fire leaves P11 million damage

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 80 tenants of the San Fernando, Cebu Public Market lost their source of income during an early morning fire allegedly caused by a “person with mental illness” yesterday, July 11, 2024.

The fire covered at least 1,100 square meters of the market, causing structural damage with an estimated worth of P11 million, according to initial investigation of authorities.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Officer 1 Stephen N. Villanueva reported that the first alarm was recorded at 3:06 am, but immediately escalated to fourth alarm around 3:25 due to the building’s construction and age, along with the materials of the stalls that were mostly made of sacks, wooden pallets, vegetable containers, dried fish containers, and plastics.

Along with BFP San Fernando and the municipality’s disaster and risk reduction office, fire stations from Naga City, Carcar City, Minglanilla, Sibonga and Taiheiyo Cement Phils Tanker also responded.

It was declared fire out at 5:19 am, and no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

According to the San Fernando Bureau of Fire Protection, the stalls that were most impacted were those selling dry goods such as vegetables, fruits, spices, and ready-to-wear clothing.

BFP is still investigating the incident, but is looking at the possibility of arson since a witness reported that a man with mental health issues, identified as “Andoy” allegedly set fire to a sack of onions and garlic.

“Under investigation pa siya but naay alleged according sa eyewitness pero amo panang e-verify, di pa mi maka conclude,” said Villanueva.

According to San Fernando Police, “Andoy” is currently detained at their station and is still waiting for the results of their investigation.

Meanwhile, Villanueva also shared that San Fernando Mayor Mytha Canoy convened with the MDRRMO to expedite the release of cash assistance to the fire victims.

“Mao toy gipahingusgan ni mayor nga as much as possible naa dayon siyay ma release nga kwarta,” Villanueva added.

In her Facebook post, Canoy said she immediately called for an emergency meeting with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Council and the Market Board of San Fernando Public Market to discuss the fire.

“Plans are underway to assist the affected vendors and help them recover…Together, we stand strong and support our community,” read a portion of the mayor’s post. - Jonnavie Villa/ATO (CEBU NEWS)