CEBU, Philippines – A warehouse rented by two companies in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City was hit by fire yesterday afternoon, leaving a still unidentified man dead.
The fire razed all the furniture of EMBL Enterprises and at least 70 motorcycles of Du EK Sam, Inc.
EMBL sells furniture imported from China. Aside from motorcycles, Du EK Sam sells appliances.
The fire reportedly started at EMBL and spread to Du EK Sam. The spaces occupied by the two companies are divided by galvanized iron sheets used for roofing.
Senior Fire Office 3 Daniel Relatado said they found the charred body of the man when they eventually managed to enter the warehouse. The man, estimated to be either in his 30s or 40s, was found at the area being rented by Du EK Sam pinned down by a motorcycle.
The charred body made it difficult for authorities to identify the man yesterday but it wore a black sweatshirt.
Relatado said security guards did not expect anyone to be in the building because the two companies took a break from operations for the holidays. EMBL ended work on December 22 while Du EK Sam ended work on December 31. The warehouse was locked when the fire hit.
Relatado said they received reports that a person was seen hopping from one container van to another evening on December 31. The container vans were placed right beside the warehouse.
“Posible nga nahulog ni padulong sa warehouse or nilayat ba kaha padung diri,” Relatado said.
Authorities received the alarm at 1:05 p.m. and placed the fire under control after about 10 minutes.
Damage is pegged at P100,000. —/JMO (FREEMAN)