5 dead in Tondo fire

MANILA, Philippines — Five household members died in a fire that reached fourth alarm at a slum community in Tondo, Manila shortly after midnight yesterday.

The fire razed the house of Jake Loyola’s family before spreading to at least 300 homes made of light materials at the Parola Compound, according to arson investigators.

Loyola, 37, and four children were trapped in the burning house. The minors were Jeric Tigas, 12; Richard Tigas, 10; Kiefer Loyola, 8, and Noah Loyola, 3.

Five others were injured during the fire, which was put out at past 6 a.m.

Firefighters encountered difficulty in containing the flames due to the narrow road leading to the site, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

At least 600 families were displaced by the fire. The affected residents sought shelter at the Manila International Container Terminal.

Damage to property was estimated at P3 million.

The Manila Police District denied a report that a fire volunteer was stabbed at the height of the blaze.

A liquefied petroleum gas tank explosion during the fire could have given rise to unverified reports of a gun discharge, police said.

There were also reports about residents grabbing fire hoses to ensure that their houses were attended first.