MANILA, Philippines — Over 300 patients and their relatives were evacuated after a fire broke out yesterday in one of the buildings at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila.
Fires razed the PGH in March and April.
According to Manila Fire District intelligence and investigation unit chief Senior Insp. Alejandro Ramos, an overheated air-conditioning unit at the doctors’ quarters at the main building of the hospital could have caused the fire.
The blaze broke out at 5:56 a.m., the Bureau of Fire Protection said.
The BFP raised the first alarm at 6:07 a.m. It was elevated to second alarm at 6:21 a.m.
Thirteen firetrucks extinguished the fire, the BFP said.
The fire reportedly reached the PGH’s outpatient unit.
Patients on stretchers, wheelchairs and clutches, including children and their relatives occupied the stretch of Padre Faura, causing traffic gridlock in the area.
The PGH management canceled consultations and laboratory tests.
Arson probers declared fire out at 7:08 a.m.
The PGH reopened its outpatient unit after a few hours.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna thanked employees of the local government, private institutions and personalities who helped thousands of families left homeless by the fire that struck Tondo on Saturday.
Former mayor Isko Moreno, who is reportedly planning to reclaim his post in the 2025 midterm elections, distributed relief goods to the affected families.
Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos also helped the fire victims.
The Office of the Vice President sent a truck that gave away meals.
Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office also set up a soup kitchen for the families taking shelter at the evacuation centers.
At least 2,000 families were displaced by the fire.
Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa directed all DOH hospitals to conduct a thorough inspection of their buildings to prevent fire incidents.
Herbosa said 22 DOH-run hospitals are on standby to receive patients from the PGH should the need arise. — Rhodina Villanueva