Two kids die in Bohol fire

CEBU, Philippines — Two siblings aged 1 and 3 died while their father sustained serious injuries after a fire consumed their house last Wednesday night in Purok 1, Barangay Manga, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The father, Edgardo Lasco, 54, is currently unconscious in the hospital after he suffered extensive burns in the head and the rest of his body while attempting to rescue his children.

The fire started at 8:10 p.m. in their house, which was built of light materials and used as a display area for the family’s livelihood, which is making bamboo furniture. The blaze occurred while the family was asleep.

Police Lieutenant Colonel John Kareen Escober, chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station, said that although fire personnel responded swiftly, the fire spread rapidly due to the house being made of light materials.

This led to the complete destruction of their house, even though fire out was declared 20 minutes after it started.

"Ang amahan nila (uban sa bata), wala na matabang kay according sa atong Bureau of Fire, very light materials g’yud ang structure niya dali kaayo nikaylap ang kayo, paspas kaayo ang panghitabo," said Escober.

Also seen in the house were traces of car batteries, lamps, paint thinner, and other painting materials.

Escober further said that aside from the house, two other structures, all made of light materials, were affected, with damage estimated at ?25,000.

Fire investigators are still conducting an in-depth investigation as to the real cause of the fire.

"Naa sila'y kuryente pero according sa atong Bureau of Fire ang cause sa sunog is ila pa kunong i-find out kay very light material ang ilang lugar niya siguro ongoing pa ang ilang investigation karon," Escober said.

Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap posted on Facebook that the government will assist the Lasco Family, including arranging the funeral of the two children and the father's hospital expenses.

The local government unit will also help pay for the transportation of the children’s mother, who works elsewhere.

“Ilang mama atong tabangan makauli para maka-attend sa lubong. Ako na mosagot sa haya, pagpalubong sa mga bata ug pahospital sa papa. Ato silang i-ampo nga makaya nila ‘ning mga pagsulay sa ilang pamilya,” Yap said in a post. — BRP (CEBU NEWS)