City Hall and fire officials said some 7,000 people were rendered homeless in the wake of the blaze that razed 1,600 shanties in Barangay Tonsuya at around 4 a.m.
Chief Inspector Rodrigo Reyes, city fire marshal, admitted firefighters found great difficulty in putting out the fire because there was simply no way to get to the three-hectare compound except by footbridge.
This sufficiently negated the presence of some 20 responding firetrucks from various fire volunteer brigades in Metro Manila.
The fire quickly spread in the Damata and Kadima areas, both sitting on a long disputed private property, and C. Perez, another private property, all in Tonsuya. Reyes said the fire was declared out only 10 a.m.
The city fire chief said there were conflicting reports, but the fire was initially blamed on an unattended candle.
However, Luz de Guzman, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) chief, said witnesses told her the fire actually started from the house of a couple that had been arguing.
De Guzman confirmed the death of one Annalyn Tanejo, 24, who was four-months pregnant. Her body was charred beyond recognition.
Witnesses said burning debris fell on the victim while she was trying to get out of her house.
De Guzman said there were reports of three other fatalities, but these could not be immediately verified.
She also said that apart from the two women and a young girl she personally saw, many more could be injured.
The local social welfare chief said the injured, who sustained minor bruises and burns, were taken to the nearby Pagamutang Bayan ng Malabon (PBM) for immediate treatment.
The razed property was separated from the main road by a canal with only a rickety two-way pedestrian footbridge spanning it. Firefighters had to train their hoses from across the canal because there were no other access route going to the interior.
Malabon City Mayor Canuto Oreta promised to send relief goods and canvas tents to the victims as temporary shelter. He has recommended P2.2 million in aid for the victims to be taken from the calamity fund, but this would need the approval of the City Council.
The mayor said he has slated a special meeting with councilors today. — With Pete Laude