PARR to move 'Yolanda' survivors from tent city

MANILA, Philippines - The Office of Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) Panfilo Lacson said  his agency is now taking steps to transfer people displaced by typhoon Yolanda from their temporary tent shelters following a fire that struck a tent city in Tacloban City on Tuesday night that killed a mother and her six children.

"It is very unfortunate that a fire accident which caused casualties occured before those living in tents could be transferred. We are taking steps to ensure that these people in tents will be transferred promptly to avoid exposing them to similar accidents or other hazards," said PARR spokesperson Karen Jimeno in a text message to the Star.

Jimeno said the transfer of people living in tents and other temporary shelters to permanent shelters in safe areas is being prioritized by the PARR and other government agencies.

"PARR is making sure that permanent housing for those living in tents will be provided soon," Jimeno said.

According to Jimeno, three weeks ago, during the last Social Service Cluster meeting, PARR Secretary Lacson and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman agreed to give priority to the dismantling of the tents all over the Yolanda corridor and transfer the occupants to transitional shelters and even provide core shelters.

"The planned move was based on the standard international practice of allowing tent occupants a maximum period of two months given the potential social issues involved beyond the two month period," Jimeno said.

Killed in the 10-minute fire were Maria Eliza Ocenar, 39, and her children Cathleen, 12; Justine, 9; Jasmine Claire, 5; Jovelyn, 3, and four-month-old Jackylyn.

The sixth child, John Mark, 6, was rescued by neighbors, who rushed him to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center. He died hours later while undergoing treatment for severe burns.

The fire destroyed a portion of the temporary shelter located near the Tacloban City airport. The tents were provided by the United Nations.

The fire broke out at around 12:20 a.m. and was declared under control 10 minutes later by neighbors.

Residents told firefighters that they woke up to cries for help from the burning tent. They said the fire spread so quickly they could not save the family.

Tacloban City police chief Senior Superintendent Domingo Cabillan said investigation showed the Ocenars might have left a kerosene lamp unattended inside their tent.

“Residents are either using kerosene lamps or candles at night as only streetlights have electric supply,” said Cabillan, noting the police were still investigating the incident to determine the cause of the blaze.

He said they are still trying to locate Ma. Eliza’s husband, Reynante Cabanganan, who was reportedly in Samar working as a fisherman.

The Ocenar family was among the Yolanda victims who chose to stay at Tent City rather than in bunkhouses.

Cabillan said safety measures would be implemented to avoid a repeat of the incident.