Fire site a ‘danger zone’: Victims may not rebuild homes

CEBU, Philippines — The two sitios where fire struck in Brgy. Looc, Mandaue City the other day are located in a “danger” zone the affected residents may not be allowed to rebuild their homes.

Under the Bridge and Bantayan sa Hari are located just beside Sitio Paradise, where more than 2,000 individuals also lost their homes in a massive fire on Nov. 23, 2022.

Looc Barangay Captain Raul Kevin Cabahug said that these three sitios are considered danger zones.

“Kay danger zones man ni and the lot is owned by the government, possible dili na sila pabalikon og tukod,” he said.

However, it was observed there were already residents of Sitio Paradise who went on to build their new homes while the temporary shelter built by the city government is still being constructed in Brgy. Tipolo.

As of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night, authorities identified more residents who were victims of last Tuesday’s fire.

The number of individuals affected rose from 1,537 individuals to 1,745 individuals; with the number of destroyed homes rising from the initial 333 to 516.

The fire, which raged for around two hours, was considered as the biggest fire to hit the city this year.

Help immediately poured in for the victims, who are temporarily taking shelter at the Looc barangay gymnasium and the Cesar Cabahug Elementary School.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan wasted no time in extending a helping hand to the victims and personally visited the fire-stricken community Tuesday evening.

The mayor and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which is headed by Nagiel Bañacia, distributed 200 food items (5 kgs of rice, 15 cans of canned goods, 6 packs of noodles, 1 dozen of milk, 1 dozen of coffee); 200 blankets; 400 pillows; 150 sleeping mats; 200 pails’ 200 dippers; and sanitary kits.

They also gave 170 pairs of slippers, ensuring that the affected families had the necessities to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

Aside from the material assistance, Chan also donated his one-month salary to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and pledged an additional P1 million from the Lapu-Lapu City Government to support the fire victims in their time of need.

Chan highlighted reciprocity of assistance, recounting Lapu-Lapu City's own experience when fire in Sta. Maria, Brgy. Pusok, last December, when Mandaue City was among the first to help them.

“The solidarity displayed between the two cities reflects a shared commitment to supporting fellow Filipinos during times of crisis,” Chan said in a Facebook post.

Cortes, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the swift assistance from the Lapu-Lapu City Government.

Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Annabeth Cuizon said that the council is still waiting for an endorsement letter from the City Mayor’s Office to request P1 million for the said fire victims.

Meanwhile, the Office of Senator Imee Marcos also provided Nutribuns and water as immediate assistance to the fire victims.

She is set to give financial assistance once all the names of the fire victims are validated, says her consultant Jessie Perez.

Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon also said that her office will also gave assistance to the fire victims today.

Cabahug said he is thankful for all the help but admitted that they need more, considering the magnitude of the fire that send over a thousand of his constituents homeless. — /RHM (FREEMAN)