Capitol assists Toledo fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government sent yesterday some relief goods such as rice, instant food and water as immediate assistance to the Toledo City fire victims.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also ordered the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office to conduct an inventory of the fire victims for further assistance.

Her brother, third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia, said that his staff also helped in the distribution of relief goods.

Rep. Garcia said they are coordinating with the local government of Toledo City to immediately address the needs of the victims.

“Everything is under control and there are enough relief goods for the fire victims,” said Rep. Garcia, adding that fire victims are also undergoing stress debriefing.

The fire injured three people and destroyed 34 houses. The damage was estimated at P500,000.

Last Monday’s fire in Sitio Bagong Buhay, Barangay Don Andres Soriano started from an overheated electric stove, said SFO2 Constancio Alcover Jr.

Alcover, Toledo City fire investigator, told The FREEMAN that when they checked the area yesterday morning they found an electric stove at the house of Josephus Alguno, brother of Rey Alguno, where the fire reportedly started.

Alcover believes that the owner left the electric stove unplugged.

The fire investigator, however, eliminated arson as motive.

Alcover said that Rey found a can of a single burner which they suspected was used in deliberately burning the house.

A total of 38 families or 164 individuals lost their homes.    

Injured was barangay tanod Boy Adlawan after he was hit by a nozzle of a fire hose while helping the residents in securing their valuables.

Two others also sustained wounds after stepping on nails. They were taken to the Toledo City District Hospital.

Sr. Insp. Randy Mendaros, Toledo City fire marshal, received the alarm at 10:40 in the morning. It was then raised to 3rd alarm. They tapped the fire stations of Balamban, San Fernando, Naga City, Minglanilla, Pinamungajan, and Carmen Copper Corporation.

Some of the victims were Franklyn Almiran, Anita Ty, Liza Putong, Precy Cabarles, Pamping Desucatan, Jujie Alguno, Lando Alima, Bayling Alima, Bobby Cabrera, Reynaldo Alima, Gil Zamora, and Pepang Alima. Others in the list were Napoleon Cabrera, Nathaniel Cabrera, Tata Ocampo, Zalde Bubuli, Borning Torsende, Gregorio Jomboda, Luisito Opiasa, Joe Sarcelia, Celin Ayon, Micmic Galgo, Rudy Anso, Noling Respecia, Jimmy Artuyo, Iga Lamoste, Celedonio Lamoste, Mila Marte, and Bebot Sotore. – (FREEMAN)