500 homes destroyed in Pasay fire

A 10-hour fire razed some 500 houses in Pasay City Wednesday evening.

Inspector Leo Andizo, arson investigator, said the blaze started at about 7 p.m. in the house of a certain Gina Fabella, which was located along Apelo Cruz street in barangay 157.

An initial investigation pointed to an unattended lighted candle on the second floor of Fabella’s house have caused the fire that destroyed mostly shanties occupied by an estimated 700 squatter families.

Andizo said firemen had a hard time putting out the blaze since the residents kept running back to their houses to save their belongings. Narrow alleys also made it difficult for firefighters to reach and battle the blaze.

He added the fire spread to a nearby gas refilling station, causing several tanks filled with cooking gas to explode.

Around 25 firetrucks rushed to the area. A "fire out" was declared around 5 a.m. the following day.

Investigators estimated the damage to property at P8 million.

Meanwhile, Pasay City Mayor Allan Panaligan immediately ordered the City Social Welfare and Development Office to provide assistance to families who lost their homes.

"Our City Social Welfare and Development Office is now securing a complete master list of our residents who were affected. An information desk and a relief operation center have also been established to ensure that the basic needs of our residents would be immediately taken cared of," Panaligan said.

The displaced families are now temporarily being sheltered at the Malibay Gymnasium and at the Pasay City East High School grounds.

In Las Piñas City, meanwhile, a 29-year-old welder was arrested by policemen after he intentionally set fire to his house.

The fire, which originated from the house of suspect Joselito Rosa, immediately spread to about 120 houses at around 12:28 p.m.

Police Officer 2 Ariel Gupana said Rosa was beaten up by angry neighbors as the fire spread but he denied starting the blaze.

The fire was contained around 6:30 a.m. Arson charges is now being readied against Rosa, who is now detained at the police station.– Rhodina Villanueva