5 kids dead in Tondo fire

MANILA, Philippines — Five children died when a fire engulfed a three-story residential building in Tondo, Manila on Monday night.

The fatalities were cousins aged eight to 14, arson probers said.

According to the victims’ relatives, the children were just visiting the house to welcome the New Year.

In a report, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze broke out at the victims’ house at the corner of Malvar and Varona streets at 10:39 p.m.

The fire reached the first alarm and escalated to second alarm at 10:48 p.m.

The BFP declared fire out at 11:25 p.m.

Damage to property was estimated at P150,000.

Nine families were displaced by the fire.

The BFP said the fire originated on the second floor of the building.

Arson investigators said they are still determining the cause of the fire.

Forty-three firetrucks, including 13 from the BFP and 30 from volunteer groups, responded.

Three ambulances – one from the BFP and two from volunteers – were also dispatched to the scene.