House in Maria Luisa razed by fire

CEBU, Philippines - An estimated P1.2 million worth of property ended up in flames when a fire razed a house at the Maria Luisa Estate in Barangay Banilad past 4am yesterday.

The seven-room house was owned by businessman Nicholas Ting and aside from his wife, Shirley, was also occupied by his sons Niño Ting and Niño’s wife Beth on the second floor.

The ground floor was where the living room and den were located while the basement was occupied by Mandaue City Councilor Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, her husband Nixon “Jojo” Dizon, and their children Myka and Joshua.

Niño and Dizon are among Nicholas and Shirley’s seven children. The other five are now living abroad.

The city fire department received the alarm at around 4:05 am. A second alarm was raised and the fire was controlled within five minutes, said city fire marshal Aderson Comar.

Comar said it was an advantage that the house was located in the middle of the property and far from the gate, which prevented the fire from crossing over to the other houses.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, but Comar said Niño reportedly said it is possible that an unplugged appliance that went short circuit might have triggered it. Niño said a there was a get-together party at the house the night before and because of they have gone tired after that, they might have forgotten to unplug some appliances.

Niño said they were just awakened by the smoke.

Board Member Thadeo Ouano, the father of Emmarie, said aside from the four cars and a few clothes, the fire spared nothing else.

The wedding gifts for Niño and Beth who tied the knot just last October 23, were also not spared.

Ouano said it was Niño who alarmed the Dizon couple and their children who were already asleep when the fire broke. Shirley had to be brought down from the second floor with the use of a ladder attached to the balcony.

Nicholas was sleeping at NS Royal Pensione, a family-owned establishment, at that time.

The board member said they arrived at the crime scene at around 4:14 am after he received a call informing him about the fire.

Ouano said the Dizon family usually stays at his house in Opao, Mandaue City, but they stayed at the house in Maria Luisa during school days because their children are enrolled at the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu in Canduman, Mandaue City.  (FREEMAN)