TROOPS of the Army's 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion (IB) have provided manpower assistance during a fire that hit Purok Sidlak in Culo village, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.
Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the fire, which broke out around 9:20 a.m. Monday, March 29, razed the house owned by Gemma Papaya.
Herrera said the Matapat troopers, together with the firemen from Molave Fire Station and residents in the area, exerted efforts to put off the fire.
He said those who rendered assistance to the firemen include one squad of soldiers to include two former New People's Army (NPA) rebels led by 53IB Scout Platoon Leader Second Lieutenant John Peter Paul Gaquing and Sergeant Ralfh Montiel.
The Molave Fire Station ground commander is Inspector Herman Ting and assisted by Police Executive Master Sergeant of the Molave Municipal Police Station.
Fire Office 1 Christie Far Gonzales said the estimated damaged to property amount to P200,000. (SunStar Zamboanga)