A BLAZE destroyed 222 houses at the coastal area in Purok Cagaycay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City Monday, June 10.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod records showed the fire broke out from the house of Elbert Deo, 34, at about 3:49 a.m.
It immediately spread to other houses made of light materials. No injuries were reported.
Investigation conducted by arson investigator Fire Officers 2 Carlo Mallari and John Mondido showed that the fire started at the kitchen of the house of Deo.
The fire, which was put out at 8:20 a.m., destroyed an estimated P500,000 worth of properties and reached to general alarm status.
Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire.
Deo, who voluntarily surrendered to Police Station 2, said his live-in partner Catherine Guanzon, 26, woke him up when she saw a fire at their ceiling.
He said he immediately took water at the comfort room, but the fire immediately spread to their neighbor’s houses.
Deo added that he asked assistance from their neighbors and his live-in partner also called the BFP.
Deo also denied that there’s a commotion between him and his wife before the fire incident.
He said he voluntarily surrendered to clear his name, while his live-in partner is nowhere to be found.
Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Pacita Tero also said the affected families reached to 240 or a total of 990 individuals.
She said the fire victims were temporarily staying at the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School-II Gymnasium.
She added the affected families need food, kitchen wares, clothes, beddings and pillows.
Tero noted the barangay officials and the city officials already delivered assistance to the affected families.
DSSD will process the financial assistance after the election banning on June 14.
Those whose houses were destroyed will receive P10,000.
Tero said it’s up to the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the barangay officials if they will allow the affected families to return in the area or they will be relocated.
Village Chief Rogelio Pabiana Jr. of Barangay 2, said they already provided assistance to the affected families, but it’s not enough to sustain their daily needs.
“We need the help of other barangays to help our constituents here,” he said.
He added they will also hold a session to release funds for the affected families.
Congressman Greg Gasataya also facilitated and delivered his assistance for the fire victims.
Meanwhile, a fire also hit Hypermart in Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City Monday morning.
The BFP is still conducting further investigation on the incident.