Fire razes Quiapo shanties; 2 boys missing

MANILA, Philippines - Two boys were reported missing during a fire that struck about a block of houses, mostly shanties, in Quiapo, Manila yesterday, the Manila Fire Department said last night.

Radio reports stated that the two boys died during the fire but authorities have yet to recover any bodies.

Manila Fire Department said last night they have yet to confirm any reported deaths or injuries in the fire.

The Manila Fire Department did not disclose the names of the two missing children.

The fire reached general alarm, which meant that all fire stations in Metro Manila were directed to help out in putting out the fire.

Sketchy reports from Manila fire investigators said the fire started at around 4:39 p.m. at a house located at No. 834 Oroquieta street. Residents said a policeman allegedly owns the property.

The fire started at the fourth floor of the house and spread to adjacent houses made of light materials. Shanties at a nearby slum colony were also destroyed in the fire.

The blaze also damaged the perimeter walls of the Manila City Jail. Police said they did not evacuate the inmates since the fire did not reach the inner part of the jail.

The area was also near the Philippine Rabbit bus station and the Isetann shopping mall.

Narrow roads hampered the firetrucks, which firefighters maneuvered through the Odeon Mall in order to reach the site of the blaze, which was still raging as of press time last night.