PWD charred to death

CEBU, Philippines — A person with disability (PWD) died while another was injured after a fire razed four residential houses in Purok Kangkong, Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City, on Wednesday night, November 4.The fatality was identified as Charlito Collantes, 53.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) reported that the fire affected four families, or around 16 individuals, consisting of nine males and seven females.

Three houses were totally destroyed, while one was partially damaged. Three of the affected families were informal settlers, while the other was a sharer.

Among the affected residents were one infant, one child aged three to five years, three children aged six to 12, 10 adults aged 18 to 59, and one senior citizen.

Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan expressed her condolences to the family of the fatality and assured the affected residents of the city government’s assistance in their recovery.

King-Chan said the CDRRMD would provide hot meals and food packs, as well as Cash-for-Work assistance to the affected residents.

“Kabalo kita nga lisod kaayo ang ilang kahimtang karon, ilabi na nga nawad-an sa ilang panimalay ug mga kabtangan. Atong gisiguro nga dili sila pasagdan ug mahatagan gyud sa ilang mga importanteng panginahanglanon,” the mayor said.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in coordination with Barangay Gun-ob officials, is also assessing the affected families’ needs and facilitating the provision of financial assistance.

King-Chan said the families are currently staying at the evacuation center at the gym above the new Gun-ob Barangay Hall.

According to the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received the fire alarm at 9:01 p.m. and declared the blaze out at 9:34 p.m., after 33 minutes of firefighting operations. The fire caused an estimated P300,000 in damage.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.—  FPL (CEBU NEWS)