Senatorial aspirant Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. is arranging for a possible relief operation in Barangay Isla Puting Bato through the Ciara Marie Abalos Foundation.
“Nakikiramay ho tayo sa ating mga kababayan na nawalan ng mga bahay at ari-arian sa nangyaring malaking sunog sa Isla Puting Bato, Tundo, Maynila,” he said on Sunday. ( I sympathize with our fellow citizens that have lost their homes and property in the Isla Puting Bato fire.)
“Nakakapanlumo talagang masunugan. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay kung paano natin matutulungan ang mga apektadong pamilya. Nakikipagusap na po tayo sa ating foundation para makapagpadala kami ng kahit konting tulong,” he added. (It is really tragic. What is important now is how we can help the affected families. We are coordinating with our foundation on how we can send help.)
The fire began around 8 a.m. and quickly spread as the houses were made of light materials. Minutes later, firefighters declared that the blaze already reached the fifth alarm.
The former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary praised firemen and volunteers who immediately responded to the scene.
He urged the local government to provide immediate relief to the affected families such as food, water, and temporary shelter.
“Ang lagi kong paalala sa ating mga kababayan, mag-ingat po tayo sa sunog. Sabi nga eh, manakawan ka na pero huwag ka lang masunugan dahil ubos ka talaga dyan,” said Abalos, who helped boost the firefighting capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) by acquiring more fire trucks and building fire stations nationwide during his stint as DILG chief. (Let me remind our fellow citizens to always practice fire safety. Better to suffer theft, but not a fire, which will take everything away from you)