After surviving Yolanda, mom, 6 kids killed in tent fire

MANILA, Philippines - They survived the fury of Super Typhoon Yolanda almost seven months ago, but not a 10-minute fire that hit their tent at an evacuation center in Tacloban City early yesterday.

Maria Eliza Ocenar, 39, and her children Cathleen, 12; Justine, 9; Jasmine Claire, 5; Jovelyn, 3, and four-month-old Jackylyn died in a fire that broke out in their tent at the temporary resettlement area for Yolanda victims, said Chief Superintendent Henry Losanes, director of the Eastern Visayas police.

The sixth child, John Mark, 6, was rescued by neighbors, who rushed him to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center. But he died hours later while undergoing treatment for severe burns.

 The blaze destroyed a portion of the temporary shelter located near the Tacloban City airport. The tents were provided by the United Nations.

Losanes said the fire broke out at around 12:20 a.m. and was declared under control 10 minutes later by neighbors.

Residents told firefighters that they woke up to cries for help from the burning tent. They said the fire spread so quickly they could not save the family.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Domingo Cabillan said investigation showed the Ocenars might have left a kerosene lamp unattended inside their tent.

“Residents are either using kerosene lamps or candles at night as only streetlights have electric supply,” said Cabillan, noting the police were still investigating the incident to determine the cause of the blaze.

 He said they are still trying to locate Ma. Eliza’s husband, Reynante Cabanganan, who was reportedly in Samar working as a fisherman.

The Ocenar family was among the Yolanda victims who chose to stay at Tent City rather than in bunkhouses.

Cabillan said safety measures would be implemented to avoid a repeat of the incident.

In a press conference, Mayor Alfred Romualdez told journalists he would hasten the construction of temporary houses for tent dwellers with or without the help of the national government.

Tacloban City is one of 171 localities in Eastern Visayas hit by Yolanda on Nov. 8.

The government is pouring resources into the region to help typhoon victims get back on their feet.

Hours later, another fire destroyed at least seven houses and commercial establishments at the downtown area.

The blaze started around 11:50 a.m. and was declared out at around 2:24 p.m.

However, firefighters rushed to the area again at 3:25 p.m., as the fire reportedly rekindled.

SFO2 Siegfred Flores, officer of the day and team leader, said the estimated damage reached P14.2 million.

The fire originated from the house of Soledad Medalla, but the cause is still being investigated.

As of press time, firefighters were still trying to put out the blaze. – With Lalaine Jimenea