Fire destroys Spanish-era house in Vigan

MANILA, Philippines — An antique house known as the Old Mansion in historic Vigan City, Ilocos Sur was gutted by fire on Tuesday.

Joey Quiabang, an occupant of the old house, was rushed to the hospital after suffocating from the smoke.

No other nearby establishments in Barangay I was affected due to the Bureau of Fire Protection's immediate response.

The house was located just beside a Shell gasoline station.

Vigan police are still investigating the cause of the fire and determining the value of the destroyed residence.

The house, owned by a late doctor Joey Verzosa and the De Leon family, was said to be constructed in the 19th century, during Spaniards' occupation of the Philippines. - Camille Diola