Fire destroys 163 houses in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A fire gutted 163 houses in Barangay Lapasan here on Sunday, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported.

According to the BFP, the blaze started in Sitio Gaabucayan and quickly spread to the neighboring Sitio Little Cebu, prompting officials to raise the alarm level to summon more firefighters.

Investigators said at least 163 families, or 412 people, were affected by the blaze. Damage was pegged at P1.7 million.

Barangay Lapasan chairman Julieto Ogsimer said the affected residents are staying at evacuation centers and in tents provided by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

He said relief operations have begun.