3 young siblings killed in blaze

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga , Philippines  – Three children who were left to play by themselves in the attic were killed in a fire that burned their house at Pineda Subdivision in Barangay Dau here on Wednesday morning, police said.

Investigators said the victims – Vincent Sunglao, 5; his younger brother Kevin, 4; and sister Kate Laguna, 2 – could have toyed with a lighter, triggering the fire.

The children’s parents were reportedly in Manila to attend a court hearing. Their grandfather, Freddie Sunglao, was at the ground floor when the fire struck and he promptly sought help.

The fire was immediately put under control but the young siblings had already apparently died from smoke inhalation. They were rushed to the San Rafael Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Mayor Marino Morales said he has instructed fire marshal Senior Inspector Rodel Manuel to investigate the incident.   

The fire damage was estimated at P1 million.