TWO children died while their grandfather was injured in a fire that engulfed their nipa hut in Purok Lison, Barangay 1, Bacolod City, on Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025.
The fatalities were identified as 8-year-old Gabry Jhon Gutierrez and his 6-year-old sister, Audrey Shantel Gutierrez. Edwardo Gutierrez, 63, sustained injuries.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod received a fire call at 2:19 a.m., according to Fire Officer 2 Rolin Paulan, the chief arson investigator. Firefighters found the nipa hut fully ablaze upon arrival.
Paulan said narrow pathways hindered access, requiring firefighters to pull and connect water hoses to reach the burning structure. The two children, trapped inside, died from the fire, and their bodies were unrecognizable.
The fire, which caused about P3,000 in property damage, was extinguished at 2:33 a.m. Investigators were told that an unattended lighted candle near the door started the fire, but they are still gathering evidence.
The children's bodies were found in the bedroom.
Their grandfather, who lived nearby, attempted a rescue but sustained second-degree burns on his right arm, right face, and left forehead due to the rapid spread of the fire.
Paulan said that the children's parents were not present when the fire occurred. He added the mother left around 2 a.m., and the father had also left for an unknown location.
Paulan urged the public to exercise caution and avoid leaving lit candles unattended, especially before leaving home or sleeping, as they pose a fire risk.
Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), said they have provided food and non-food items to the victims' family. She added that they will process financial assistance and offer psychological first aid to the affected family.
She said they are also waiting for the BFP's final report. (MAP)