3 toddlers die in Pasay fire

MANILA, Philippines - Three siblings died in a fire that razed a Pasay City slum Saturday night.

Arson investigators identified the fatalities as Chris Alberca, three; and his twin brothers John Jason and John Angelo, two.

“Their parents were out when the fire broke out,” said Chief Inspector Douglas Guiyab, the city fire marshal.

The fire spread through the shanties behind the old Department of Affairs building along F.B. Harrison street. It started about 11:45 p.m. and reached fourth alarm before it was put out three hours later.

Six people, including a four-year-old, were hurt, while 100 families were affected by the fire.

Guiyab said the cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation.  He added probers are having difficulty investigating because no one wants to come forward.

According to Guiyab, investigators were initially told that a lit candle was left unattended before the fire broke out. “But we don’t know who and where because no one wants to be a witness,” he said.

The government observes Fire Prevention Month each March.