3 dead in Iloilo fire

ILOILO CITY , Philippines —Three persons died in a fire that hit a residential area in Zone 3, Barangay Salvacion Habog in Molo district in this city early yesterday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo City identified the fatalities as Elizabeth Jetano, 65; her son Niel, 27, and her grandson, Rain Gabriel, 10.

The bodies of the victims were found in two rooms on the ground floor of their house.

Reports said the fire broke out at around 4:29 a.m. and was declared out before 7 a.m.

Initial investigation showed the fire started from the house of the fatalities.

Fire probers said 63 houses and establishments were destroyed and two others were damaged.

Seventy-one families were rendered homeless in the fire.

Damage to property was initially placed at P6.6 million.

Supt. Jerry Candido, BFP-Western Visayas director, said the fire could be intentional, citing its ”multiple points of origin.”

”If there are multiple points of origin, it’s a suspected arson,” Candido said. ”Usually, if it’s an accidental fire, the origin is only in one area.”