Manila, Philippines - At least 5,436 people displaced by a fire that struck Isla Puting Bato in Tondo will soon be relocated to Bulacan, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said yesterday.
In a statement, Lim said a relocation site awaits affected families in Barrio Gayagaya in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and all they have to do is register.
The fire that hit Isla Puting Bato destroyed a total of 1,066 shanties and its cause is still being investigated by arson probers.
The fire broke out at around 4:10 p.m., was contained two hours later, and put out at about 10:49 p.m. Fire damage was estimated at P3 million.
Lim said all forms of assistance at this point would be welcome, considering the large number of people who were displaced. He visited yesterday the 1,300 families whose homes were destroyed by the fire.
He handed over money and bags of relief goods to the displaced families, who were given shelter at the Delpan Sports Complex and the Almario Elementary School.
Manila social welfare chief Jay de la Fuente said based on Lim’s orders, the displaced families were fed thrice a day and provided mats and used clothing.
Probers eye ‘jumper’ connections
Manila Fire District investigators are checking if the fire could have been caused by “jumpers” or illegal electric connections.
Insiders said probers are verifying information that a short circuit may have started the fire, since there were many illegal power connections.
According to investigators, the fire started at the house owned by Romy Paa and occupied by Arturo Salapudin in Purok 1. The fire quickly spread to Puroks 2 and 3, near the breakwater at North Harbor.
The residents scaled the walls that surrounded the compound and jumped into the Manila Bay in order to escape the flames.
Senior Fire Inspector Reggy Olmedo suffered minor injuries.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported rescuing 100 people. Some fell into the water while others were transferred to safer ground, the PCG said.
PCG acting spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Rommel Supangan said yesterday that four of those rescued were injured: Joel Bumaray, 23; Reymart Escosis, 14; Ericson Managilay, 14; and Kyle de Guzman, two.
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said they have already sent 1,500 food packs, mats and blankets to the displaced families.
She advised those who intend to give donations to send clothes and drinking water. – With Evelyn Macairan