P20 million lost in Cotabato blaze

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A conflagration razed Friday a centuries-old commercial spot here, which was popular for eateries that served traditional Moro foods and native coffee.

Local authorities pegged at no less than P20 million the value of property lost in the afternoon blaze that razed a block of old, traditional wooden buildings with Chinese architectural designs near the city’s 16th century public market.

According to Cotabato City fire marshal Adam Guiamad, the fire started in an old store selling plastic ware and kitchen utensils, and spread fast to adjoining establishments.

“It’s sad to see a historic landmark billow in smoke. We did everything to contain the fire, but it was too big and the old wooden buildings flared it up all the more,” Guiamad said.

The blaze further worsened when it spread to stalls where Maranaw traders stored music and movie compact disks.

Guiamad said the conflagration displaced around 150 families that rely on selling native merchandise in the area.

He also added that five people sustained burns when they attempted to save belongings from the buildings that the fire destroyed.