(UPDATE) 7 people die in Davao fire

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Seven people were killed in a massive blaze in Davao Oriental yesterday night, local authorities today said.

The dead included four women and three men, all occupants of a store that was razed by the fire of yet undetermined origin at Poblacion village, Manay, a town in Davao Oriental around 11 p.m. Thursday, Senior Superintendent Jose Carumba, Davao Oriental police chief, said.

Quoting arson investigators, Carumba said the conflagration originated at a store and flames spread to two nearby buildings. The bodies of the seven victims were recovered by firemen and rescuers as the blaze was completely put out around 3 a.m. today, the police official told Xinhua in a text message.

Deadly fire incidents are common in the Philippines where establishment owners often skirt around strict building and fire codes.