Massive fire hits Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines — A massive fire that broke out in Zone Sili and Zone Talong, Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, on the night of Sunday, March 23, 2025, has displaced at least 805 individuals, marking it as the largest fire incident in the city this March.

Tragically, the response to the fire also resulted in the death of a motorcyclist who collided with a responding firetruck.

Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Neil Amancio of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Mandaue confirmed that the fire started at 7:34 p.m. in a two-storey house.

The blaze quickly escalated to a fourth alarm due to the high density of light-material structures in the area, eventually damaging over 6,000 square meters and destroying 177 houses. One house was partially damaged.

“Mao ni pinakadako so far,” Amancio told reporters on March 24, 2025, referring to the scale of the fire compared to three others earlier this month in Barangays Mantuyong, Ibabao, and Canduman.

Firefighters responded at 7:35 p.m. and escalated the fire to the second alarm at 7:44 p.m., then to the third alarm at 7:55 p.m. By 8:04 p.m., the fire had reached the fourth alarm as flames spread rapidly to neighboring houses.

A total of 29 firetrucks from Mandaue City and neighboring cities—including Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, Danao, and Talisay—along with volunteer groups such as the Mandaue Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Brigade and Alegado Rescue Fire Volunteer, were deployed.

Firefighters faced significant challenges, including narrow roads and blocked pathways. Some residents, in their panic, cut hoses and threw stones at firefighters.

“During the start sa firefighting operations namo gipamato mi…so na disrupt gyud ang among operations kagabie,” Amancio said.

He shared that desperate residents tried to take control of the firefighting efforts, even grabbing hoses from firefighters as they saw their homes being engulfed in flames.

However, with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP), order was restored. Residents eventually cooperated with authorities, forming a bucket relay to help extinguish the flames.

Firefighters were able to put the fire under control by 9:27 p.m. and declared it out at 10:37 p.m.

Amancio stated that initial investigations point to faulty electrical wiring as the possible cause of the fire, but further investigation is needed. “Mubalik mi karon sa fire scene para masuta gyud nato unsagyud ang exact cause,” he said.

According to the latest report from the Mandaue City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS), the fire displaced 244 families or 805 individuals. Among these, 178 were homeowners, while 66 were renters and sharers.

The estimated damage to properties is valued at ?3 million. Victims are currently staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Paknaan, where modular tents have been set up for temporary shelter.

Further, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) Situational Report No. 1, four individuals were injured during the fire.

Three were females who suffered from breathing difficulties, pain in the upper extremity, and leg lacerations, while one male reported pain and a laceration on his leg. All injuries were treated at the scene, and the victims did not require hospital transport.

One of the fire victims, Anthony John Navacilla, a renter, shared that he was unable to save any belongings during the fire. He only managed to salvage his marriage certificate, essential documents, and the clothes he was wearing.

“Gi-safety nako ang bata…bahala og wa koy sinina gisiguro lang nako ang mga papeles,” Navacilla said, explaining that he prioritized saving his child.

Navacilla recalled the scary night of the fire as they watched the fire grow bigger. “Ang kainit feel na kaayo sa panit.”

Like many others, Navacilla appealed for financial assistance to rebuild their homes, which were mostly made of light materials. “Wala na gyud hurot gyud tanan gyud,” he said.

Several residents noted that this was not the first fire to hit the area, recalling a similar incident in 2012.

Assistance and relief

The city government distributed Tabang Mandaue Kits containing canned goods, rice, and other essentials.

Hot meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are being provided through a mobile kitchen at the evacuation center.

Public Information Office Head Karla Victoria Cortes assured that financial assistance of ?10,000 per family will be distributed promptly. “I am sure that it will be given immediately gyud, as soon as possible,” she said.

Councilor Jen Del Mar drafted a resolution commending the bravery of the first responders.

“Their courage and dedication saved lives and homes. Let us take a moment to honor their selflessness and commitment to our safety,” she said.

Del Mar also encouraged donations of food, clothing, hygiene kits, and household items, which can be dropped off at the 6.5 Gym or the CSWS Office in Mandaue City.

Firetruck claims one life

While no casualties were directly caused by the fire, a 23-year-old call center agent Juan Paulo Mindo, died after his motorcycle collided with a firetruck that was responding to the Paknaan fire.

The accident occurred at 9 p.m. at the intersection of A.C. Cortes Street and Plaridel Street in Barangay Cambaro.

Mindo, a resident of Sitio Sunlot, Barangay Calawisan, Lapu-Lapu City, was rushed to the Mandaue City District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, spokesperson for the Mandaue City Police Office, said the firetruck driver voluntarily surrendered and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.

Based on CCTV footage in the area, Villaro said that while the firetruck had its siren on, it ran a red light, while Mindo was crossing the intersection on a green light. However, she reminded motorists to yield to emergency vehicles.

“Sa atoang mga motorista nga naa dinha sa mga kadalanan, kung naa silay mga madunggan o mamatikdan nga naka siren nga mga emergency vehicles, dapat responsible ta, dapat natong buhaton is muhunong and mu give way gyud ta sa emergency vehicles,” said Villaro.

But she also urged emergency drivers to exercise caution at intersections.

“With caution gihapon ang ilang mga pagpadagan, especially sa mga intersections nga wa kahibaw nga ang uban, wa kadungog or di klaro ang mga siren,” she said.

Authorities are still investigating the incident and awaiting the decision of Mindo’s family on whether they will file a case against the firetruck driver. — (FREEMAN)