350 families homeless in Manila, Pasay fires

MANILA, Philippines — More than 350 families lost their homes in three fires that broke out in Manila and Pasay yesterday.

The blaze along Pandacan street in Pandacan, Manila razed 150 houses, leaving around 300 families homeless, and destroyed P2 million worth of property, according to Manila fire chief investigator Capt. John Joseph Jalique.

The fire started yesterday morning and reached fifth alarm before it was put under control at around noon.

Philippine Red Cross volunteer John Cacho sustained second-degree burns in the fire.

At around 4 a.m., a residential-commercial building was destroyed in a fire that reached second alarm along Abucay street in Tondo, Manila. 

The fire left 15 families homeless and caused P200,000 in damages. 

Allan Altobano and Arlo Gimoto suffered lacerations and burns in the fire.

Probers are still investigating the cause of the fires.

In Pasay, 50 families were left homeless after a three-fire that reached fourth alarm razed 10 houses along Sto. Niño street yesterday.

The blaze raged for about three hours before it was put out at around 3:15 p.m.

Newly installed city fire marshall Supt. Edgar Tanawan told reporters the fire started at the house of Narciso Jimenez.

Mayor Emi Rubiano told The STAR the fire victims refused to go to any evacuation center but “asked to move (in with their) relatives in the same barangay.”

Rubiano said the fire victims were given financial assistance, grocery items, folding beds, blankets and food.