Fire destroys scores of houses in Mandaue sitio

CEBU, Philippines - About 20 to 30 houses went up in smoke shortly after lunchtime yesterday in sitio Sapa-Sapa in barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

 The area borders Cebu and Mandaue cities and is considered a danger zone area, prone to flood and fire.

Most of the residential houses destroyed stood on the three-meter easement zone.

Fire trucks had difficulty penetrating the area because the houses were built over a creek and the road leading to the houses was narrow.

The Mandaue City fire department has yet to determine the cause of fire, which allegedly started from the house of one Genaro Lutchavez.

Residents believe illegal tapping could have started the fire.

Barangay Subangdaku captain Ernie Manatad said the affected families will temporarily be relocated at a vacant lot near the fire scene where tents will be pitched.

He said the families will also be provided with cooked food for three days.

The City Social Welfare Service will immediately recommend that the city council declare the affected area under a state of calamity so it can release financial aid to the families.

Each house owner will each receive P10,000 in financial assistance while renters will each receive P5,000.

However, house owners who are about to be relocated to the 6.5 relocation site can no longer avail of the financial aid since the city will immediately work for their transfer. (FREEMAN)