2 boarders perish in Iloilo City fire
ILOILO CITY: Two persons were killed in a fire that engulfed a residential area in Barangay San Nicolas, Lapaz District in this city on Sunday, February 18.
City Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Melanie Habawell identified the fatalities as Lyn Rose Sobretodo, a 22-year-old call center agent from Casalagan, Pototan, Iloilo, and Renz Aguilar, a 26-yearold third-year engineering student from Concepcion, Iloilo.
Authorities recovered their bodies inside the charred boarding house. It is believed that the two were asleep in their respective rooms when the fire broke out.
The fire occurred at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, and a fourth alarm was raised at 4:26 p.m. The blaze was brought under control at 4:43 p.m., and the fire was extinguished at 5:24 p.m.
The damage was estimated at P2.1 million.The fire affected seven houses, five of which were completely destroyed.
The tragedy affected 11 families, comprising 150 individuals, who are now seeking refuge at Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office has already provided food and nonfood aid to the affected families.
Those whose homes were completely destroyed received 25 kilograms of rice, 14 cans of sardines and tuna, hygiene kits, sleeping kits and kitchen kits.
For families with partially damaged homes, 10 kilograms of rice and seven cans each of sardines and corned beef were distributed, while borders received two food packs each.
Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a press conference on Monday, announced that the city government will extend financial assistance amounting to P100,000 to the families of the two casualties.
He also directed the City Boarding House Commission to intensify inspections of boarding houses, particularly focusing on electrical wiring, fire exits and other safety measures.
Treñas emphasized that boarding houses found in violation of regulations will face immediate permit revocation