5 Isabela family members killed in fire

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Five family members, including two children aged five and seven, were killed in a pre-dawn fire in a central Isabela town on Christmas Day.

The fire, according to Mayor Jeng Reyes of Alicia town, struck at around 2:30 a.m. in the house of one Salvador Blanza Sr., 49, in Barangay Calaocan.

Investigation showed that the Blanza family was having their noche buena when the fire broke out in their bungalow-type residence. The fire was suspected to have been caused by a short circuit.

Reports identified the fatalities as Ariel Gulan, 24; Teresita Blanza, 49; Jennifer Blanza, 26; Mark Jenden Blanza, five; and Daniel Blanza, seven.

Five others sustained injuries in the blaze and were rushed to the town’s Paguilas Hospital. They were identified as Blanza Sr.; Renato Palo, 50, a farmer from Isabela’s San Guillermo town; Jengie Palo, 38; Regilyn Palo, 16; and Demie Blanza, five.

“One of those injured has already been discharged while the others are still recuperating in the hospital. Meanwhile, (Blanza Sr.) has been transferred to another hospital in Santiago City,” Reyes said.

The municipal government has extended assistance to the Blanza family, Reyes added.