CEBU, Philippines - At least 12 houses were razed by fire in Barangay Alang-Alang, Mandaue City yesterday afternoon leaving several families homeless.
The fire which broke at 1:08 p.m. started at the second floor of the house owned by Rosemarie Maloloy-on. Fire investigator Julius Lloa believes that a lighted candle may have started it.
According to Lloa, there were four children allegedly playing with candles inside the house when the fire broke out. He said the house of Maloloy-on did not have supply of electricity after it was cut off sometime ago. He, however, said this is still subject of further investigation.
Lloa said it took them 34 minutes to control the fire and about an hour before it was declared fire out. No one was reported injured while the damage was pegged at P200,000.
“Dali ra na control kay daplin raman sa karsada,†Lloa said.
Other houses totally burned were owned by Jesus Mediña, Analyn Quequelete, Labella Jurak, Masie Villaroso, Marue Viral, Celia Villanueva, Cherry Sienet, and Ramil Daclitan.
The houses of Roy Lumapas and Josephine Fernando were partially damaged.
Mandaue City Public Information Officer Roger Paller said that the fire victims were given tents as temporary shelter. They were also provided with meals by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. — with Romeo T. Limpangog of BANAT NEWS/FPL (FREEMAN)