Fire hits building behind Manila Cathedral

MANILA, Philippines — An early morning fire hit a building behind the Manila Cathedral yesterday, damaging an estimated P1.5 million worth of property.

According to the National Capital Region office of the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire hit the AVR building along Beaterio Street inside Intramuros in Manila at 8:05 a.m.

Senior Supt. Aristotle Bañaga, Manila Fire District marshal, said the blaze was declared under control at 9:01 a.m. with at least 14 fire trucks responding.

Bañaga added that the blaze destroyed the units occupied by a travel company and a bank.

The building also houses the La Cathedral Cafe, known for its famous backdrop of the Cathedral’s dome, and features designs inspired by structures during the Spanish colonial era.