1 dead, 200 houses razed in 3 fires

MANILA, Philippines - A man died and at least 200 houses were destroyed as three fires broke out in Metro Manila since Tuesday night.

Arnel Arquizalas reportedly died of suffocation when an hour-long fire hit a flooded subdivision in Malabon yesterday morning.

Firefighters swam in floodwaters about three feet deep at Artex Subdivision in Barangay Panghulo just to kill the fire that started in the house of Ellen Torribio at past 10 a.m. The fire reached second alarm and spread to around 50 houses, destroying about P300,000 in property, before it was put out.

Alquizalas’ body was found face down in a bathroom. Fire Officer 1 Veronica Magada said the victim died of suffocation.

In Mandaluyong, a fire destroyed at least 150 houses in densely populated Barangay Mabini Tuesday night.

No one was reported hurt in the hour-long fire, but property damage was pegged at P300,000.

City fire marshal Chief Inspector Nahum Taroza said the fire started at Delia Suan’s house, which was reportedly being rented by Corazon Ladrera, at past 9 p.m. The fire spread to at least 150 houses near the creek and reached third alarm.

Taroza said firefighters found it difficult to reach the burning houses because of the narrow streets.

Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. visited the affected families at the Renato Lopez Elementary School, which was converted into an evacuation center.

Taroza said they are still trying to determine the real cause of the fire.

Yesterday afternoon, at least six houses at Pingkian compound in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City were destroyed by flames that broke out at past 2 p.m.

Though no casualties were reported, the fire left 12 families homeless by the time it was put out less than an hour later, said Fire Officer 2 Sherwin Penafiel.

The fire destroyed at least P300,000 worth of properties, he said. – Aie Balagtas See, Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano, Reinir Padua