Fire destroys folk singer’s house

MANILA, Philippines — A fire hit the house of folk singer Coritha in Quezon City yesterday.

Coritha, 62, whose real name is Socorro Avelino, was in her house in Barangay Sacred Heart when the fire broke out at around 2:18 a.m.

Superintendent Louise Benjie Tremor, Kamuning Police Station 10 commander, said the fire reached second alarm before firefighters placed it under control at around 2:55 a.m.

Tremor, in his report, said the lighted candle left unattended by Coritha’s brother caused the fire.

She and four other occupants of the house were safe, according to police.

The blaze was put out by around 3:15 a.m. Property damage was estimated at P80,000.

Coritha is known for her Filipino songs such as Oras Na, Si Lolo Jose and Sierra Madre.