2 dead in Makati predawn fire

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons died in a predawn fire on Friday that struck a row of seven apartments in Barangay West Rembo in Makati City.

Makati Fire chief Ric Perdigon identified the victims as Danilo Deloviar, 60 and Grace Quintanar, 35.

Perdigon said the victims were burned beyond recognition.

Initial investigation showed that the fire started at about 1:30 a.m. at the second floor apartment owned by Deloviar.

The fire quickly reached Task Force Alpha and spread to the adjacent apartment owned by Quintanar.

Perdigon said the victims appeared to have been trapped by the fire.

“They were most probably awakened by the fire and were rushing to get out of their houses when they got trapped,” he said.

Perdigon said the victims were found at the ground floor of their apartments.

Makati firefighters who rushed to the scene managed to put out the blaze after an hour.

Perdigon said an initial investigation report points to an illegal electrical connection as the possible cause of the fire.