50 HOUSES DESTROYED IN MANDAUE BLAZE

Around 144 families lost their homes during a fire in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City yesterday morning. Although no casualty was recorded, one resident suffered burns. SFO1 Edgar Vergara of the Mandaue City Fire Station (MCFS) said an explosion of an improvised gas pump, which was used for cooking, caused the blaze. The MCFS received the alarm at 4:18 a.m. in Sitio Lower Malibu. Around 50 houses made of light materials were destroyed while two structures were damaged.

Fifty houses were destroyed by the fire that struck Sitio Lower Malibu, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City yesterday morning, displacing 144 families.

Although no casualty was recorded, a resident suffered burns.

The explosion of an improvised gas pump, which was used for cooking, was blamed for the fire, said SFO1 Edgar Vergara of the Mandaue City Fire Station (MCFS).

The MCFS received the fire alarm at 4:18 a.m.

SFO1 John Herediano said the fire started in the house of Candida Tuston.

Flames were reportedly seen in Tuston’s kitchen before it spread to neighboring houses.

Tuston, who is a street food vendor, was cooking before the explosion happened, Vergara said. But he said they will continue their investigation to determine the real cause of the fire.

Firefighters had the fire under control at 5:46 a.m. before putting it out at 6:03 a.m.

He said Tuston suffered second- to third-degree burns and was taken to the hospital.

Damage was pegged at P300,000.

Subangdaku Barangay Captain Ernie Manatad said tents will be set up in the barangay basketball court to serve as the survivors’ temporary shelter.

The City Government will also provide financial assistance to affected families.

Mayor Luigi Quisumbing said one of the reasons assistance to fire victims is delayed is because they’re still verifying if registered individuals are actual victims.

“I will be asking the council to pass an ordinance to penalize those that seek to take advantage of tragedy. I hope that the spirit of community will prevail over self-interest at all times,” the mayor said.

I hope the spirit of community will prevail over self-interest at all times. LUIGI QUISUMBING Mandaue City Mayor

ALAN TANGCAWAN SUNSTAR FOTO / REMAINS OF THE DAY. Survivors gather what was left of their belongings after fire destroyed their house in Barangay Subangdaku.