Talisay City fire razes 15 houses

At least 15 houses made of light materials were razed by fire yesterday in Sitio Daruhan Drive, Barangay San Roque, Talisay City.

Talisay City fire marshal Randy Mendaros said the fire started on the second floor of the residence of Monalisa Monte, 33. Fire investigators estimated the damage at P150,000.

The fire was reported at 2:48 p.m. and was declared under control at 3:23 p.m. Mendaros admitted they were late in responding because of the wrong information relayed to them. He said they were initially informed that the fire was at the back of Inayawan Church.

The affected families were already provided assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. San Roque Barangay Captain Elzevier Abraham said the victims will be provided tents as temporary shelter.

Meanwhile, all families affected by the fire in Sitio Hillside, Barangay Talamban can start rebuild their houses immediately. The Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor noted that the families own the respective houses.

DWUP acting department head Genevieve Alcoseba said the office has identified 21 home lots affected at about 5,000 square meter fire-stricken area.

"Ang recommendation sa office is to implement re-blocking scheme and to establish roads para dili maglisod og agi in case of emergency," she said.

Anytime today, Alcoseba said DWUP will hold a consultation among the lot owners to be affected by the re-blocking.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who returned to the City Hall yesterday after his short trip to Hong Kong, said the city government will provide financial assistance to the fire victims, especially to the bereaved family of the two kids who perished in the fire.

The mayor was referring to the family of Kimberly Llorag, 27, mother of two kids who died in the fire incident last Wednesday noon. The two kids, Terence John Garcia, 4, and Bryle Cedric Llorag, two months, were trapped inside the room where the fire broke out.

Lea Japson, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Services, said the city has started giving free packed meals since Wednesday night until Saturday.

She said the city will also give housing materials on Saturday so that the families can start rebuilding their houses. Affected families are temporarily staying in Talamban Elementary School.