Tondo inferno

Some P15 million worth of property went up in smoke and more than 800 families were rendered homeless after a fire, reportedly caused by an unattended stove, hit the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila Thursday night.

Arson investigators are verifying reports that at least two children were missing during the confusion that followed the blaze, which started at 7:17 p.m. on Block 8, Islang Laki, Bagong Lupa inside the compound.

Arson investigator FO3 Jojo Magallanes said they are also looking for a certain Dodong, said to be a newlywed who owned house, where a gas stove was left unattended.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza went to the site late Thursday night to meet with some of the residents affected by the blaze. It can be recalled that a fire struck the Baseco Compound on Black Saturday a year ago, leaving 2,500 persons homeless.

Another fire hit a three-story house near the boundary of Manila and Quezon City Thursday afternoon, causing some P1.5 million in damages.

The fire started at about 3:31 p.m. at the second floor of the house along San Agustin Street in Sampaloc and was contained at 5:09 p.m. – Cecille Suerte Felipe