Fire disrupts PNR trips

MANILA, Philippines — Trips of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) were briefly disrupted due to a fire that broke out at a residential compound in Muntinlupa City before noon yesterday. Train rides were halted due to a fire in Barangay Buli, the railways management said in a Facebook post.

PNR trips resumed at around 2 p.m.

The blaze reached first alarm and was put out at around 1 p.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Hilario Solomon, 68, suffered first-degree burns during the fire.

Arson probers said at least 17 families were left homeless. Damage to property was estimated at P50,000.

Authorities said they have yet to determine what caused the fire.

The PNR earlier announced that it would suspend operations for five years to fast-track the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway and help the government save P15 billion in land acquisition as well as relocation costs.

At least 30,000 passengers will be affected by the PNR closure and will be provided alternative transportation.

In Quezon City, two persons were injured when a fire struck a residential area in Barangay Tatalon.

Andrei Caser, 23, a fire volunteer, and Adrian Torres, 18, suffered injuries, according to the BFP.

At least 35 houses were destroyed by the fire.

In Valenzuela, a fire razed an office space along L. San Diego street in Barangay Canumay West on Saturday night.

Arson investigators said the fire reached first alarm at past 7 p.m. and was declared under control at around 7:18 p.m. No one was reported injured in the incident. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Mark Ernest Villeza