CAGAYAN DE ORO , Philippines — Four siblings died in a fire that destroyed their century-old ancestral house in Camiguin yesterday.
Angelita, 74; Tomasita, 70; James, 65; and Vergelio, 64, all surnamed Lao, were trapped in the house. Their bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Fire Officer 3 Sergio Virtudazo Jr. of the Mahinog fire station said the fire started on the second floor of the house at around 3:25 a.m. and was declared out after around four hours.
Damage was initially estimated at P1 million. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Chief Inspector Victor Rommel Cena, Mahinog police chief, said the Lao brothers only visited their sisters and were supposed to leave yesterday morning.
Three other occupants of the house, two of them children, were unhurt.