1 dead in Malabon fire

A man died while another was hurt when a three-hour fire of still unknown origin broke out at an apartment building before midnight last Saturday in Malabon City.

Chief Inspector Rodrigo Reyes, Malabon City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief, identified the fatality as Banny Nierva, 26, a resident of Juliana street in Barangay Potrero.

Nierva’s neighbor, Christopher Jepiga, 32, sustained bruises in the arms and body when he was hit by debris.

Arson investigator Fire Officer 1 Ernesto Lamiel said the blaze started at around 10:56 p.m. at the second floor of a two-story residential building at 22 Juliana street, Barangay Potrero.

He said the blaze originated at the unit occupied by a certain Juneta Babac and quickly spread in the 12-door apartment.

During the blaze, Nierva, who was outside his burning unit, rushed back inside to save more of his belongings. He failed to come out.

Firemen later found the body inside his room.

Local and volunteer firefighters put the fire under control at around 11:50 p.m. and were able to prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings. It was declared out at around 1:25 a.m.

Councilor Eddie Nolasco, who came to the fire scene, offered assistance to the victims.

Fire probers estomated the damage at P1.2 million.The exact cause of the fire has yet to be established. – Pete Laude