|
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Fire damages reach P7M
By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE damages incurred by the fire that broke in North Baluarte, Molo, 4 p.m. last Monday has reached to P7 million. Some 296 houses were totally burnt while 17 were partially burnt.
Acting City Fire Marshall Nilo Pacifico said they got this record from the number of families listed as affected by the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD).
There were five persons who were injured. They were Joey Bolante who sustained burns on his arms, Joey Alojado, Anita Salvador, Gina Ramos and Victor Gaspar.
"But, we are expecting more number of damaged houses. We are still conducting our own investigation especially on the cause of fire and where it started. We are also coordinating with other government agencies to help us validate our records," Pacifico said.
Pacifico said he has yet to talk with other witnesses and to the couple Victoria and Panoy Bustamante. Neighbors claimed the Bustamantes' children were the ones who torched their house, which caused the fire. The fire consumed 20 houses in just a matter of 20 minutes.
Warning
With this, Pacifico warned parents not to leave their children by themselves in their house. He added things that could catch fire, like matches and lighters, should be kept from children's reach.
"They have to make sure that all electric appliances are off before sleeping or leaving their house and have enough water so that in case of emergency, they can use it," he added.
Pacifico added that they had a hard time putting off the fire because there's no access road leading to the inner portion of the area.
State of Calamity
On the other hand, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas Tuesday said he'll put North Baluarte under the state of calamity. He also vowed to appropriate an amount to help the victims.
Treñas added that the DSWD and other concerned government agencies were directed to attend to the victims' needs. They are now temporarily staying at Baluarte Elementary School and Baluarte gym.
More assistance coming from other concerned persons and institutions were already given to the victims, especially clothing and food.
(April 12, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
