CEBU, Philippines — An early morning fire hit a residential area yesterday in Bugnay 2, Sitio Lutaw-Lutaw, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, causing damage to property estimated at ?1.3 million.
According to a report from the Cebu City Fire Station, the fire started at the house of Arlinda Pamugas around 6:35 a.m.
A few minutes after firefighters arrived at the scene, the situation was raised to the first alarm. It still reached second alarm before being declared fire out 8:17 a.m.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera said the fire displaced 306 individuals composing 81 families while 46 houses were completely destroyed, and six sustained partial damage.
A total of 37 fire trucks responded to the blaze, with 12 coming from the Bureau of Fire Protection and 25 from the Fire Volunteers Brigade.
The displaced residents are currently being sheltered at Bliss Elementary School in Labangon. The city government has provided packed meals to assist those affected by the fire.
Meanwhile, a certain “Michael” is now in custody following allegations from neighbors that he caused the fire. However, he strongly denied these claims, asserting that he is innocent.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are continuing to look into Michael's possible involvement in the incident. — (FREEMAN)