Boy, 2, dead in Pagadian fire

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A two-year old boy was killed in a fire that he reportedly started in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last Thursday, authorities reported yesterday.

Investigation showed the victim was reportedly seen playing matches, which they believed could have triggered the fire in the house owned by Aurelio Pabatao in Purok Makiangayan, Barangay Balangasan.

The house was reportedly left under the care of Rolando Lorona, the father of the victim. Apart from Pabatao’s, eight other houses were destroyed in the blaze.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman for police regional office 9, said the boy’s remains were found by firefighters who declared the fire under control two hours later.

Meanwhile, at least P700,000 worth of property were destroyed in another fire in Barangay Sirawai proper, Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte on the same day. No one was reported killed or hurt in the incident.