Fifteen residents sustained injuries while rushing to save their belongings during a fire that broke out past 10 p.m. on Saturday in East Libis, Barangay 160, Caloocan City.
According to barangay records, 34 families, or over 100 individuals, were affected, and 70 houses were destroyed. Affected families are currently housed in an evacuation center at the multi-purpose hall, as reported by barangay administrator Robert Samonte.
Residents were alarmed by the size of the fire, which reached the second alarm, prompting nearly 30 fire trucks, including volunteers, to respond. Angelo Acebedo, a resident, lamented that only coins remained from their computer shop after their home was consumed by the flames. “Kalbo na po lahat ng bahay namin,” he said.
Another resident, Medy Pedere, expressed concern as their home was close to the fire’s origin. “Nataranta po, ang inaano po baka merong tao na nasunog,” she stated.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire was extinguished around 2:27 a.m. on Sunday. “Isa sa malaking challenges po dito yung mga daanan is not accessible sa mga firetrucks natin, katulad po dito lahat halos ng fire truck dito naka pwesto sa may NLEX,” said SF03 Randel Angeles, substation commander of the Talipapa Firestation.
The estimated damage caused by the fire is around P500,000. The barangay noted that the immediate needs of the fire victims include water, food, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, and clothing.
Fortunately, no fatalities or missing persons have been reported in the incident. The BFP continues to investigate the cause of the fire.