CEBU, Philippines - A ten-year-old boy died while six other persons were injured in a fire that hit Barangay Ermita, Cebu City yesterday morning.
SFO2 Daniel Relatado Jr. said the fire destroyed at least 100 stalls and houses in Warwick Barracks Market. The fire department estimated the damage at P1 million.
The fatality was identified as Jerry Consas, whose body was recovered around 2:30 p.m. Those injured were identified as Gina May Bahinam, 18; Bedasta Conchinan, 50; Antonio Sy, 72; and Mario de la Cerna, 78.
A couple was brought to Cebu City Medical Center for swelling arms. They were identified as Kovito Auman, 60, and his wife, Ignacia, 63.
“Nidagan mi kay para mapalayo sa nahitaboan sa sunog. Wala mi naigo gyud sa kayo pero tungod sa ka init maong napaso mi.†Kovito said.
Police tightened their security during the fire.
“Adunay police personnel nga gi-disperse sa palibot, “said Police Chief Inspector Noel V. Lomente of Carbon Police Station.
Lomente said he immediately deployed 20 of his men to inspect the area while the fire is ongoing.
He said they were able to arrest two suspected robbers who were busy getting burnt wires and steel when the fire was under control.
The fire caused heavy traffic around the area
Prevention Rehabilitation Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) team head Raquel Arce rushed to the area during the fire.
Arce, who is also the city market administrator, said she did not yet receive any order from Mayor Michael Rama but she rushed to help manage the situation. – May B. Miasco and Melissa Q. Cabahug, USJ-R MassComm Interns/LPM
(FREEMAN)