Fire victims try to salvage their things from the fire that hit their houses on New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2025) in Tuba, Benguet. At least 36 families lost their homes and one died from the fire. (PNA photo courtesy of PROCor)
BAGUIO CITY – A fire on New Year’s Day destroyed 26 houses and a church, leaving 36 families homeless and claiming one life at Camp 4, Kennon Road, Tuba, Benguet province.
Col. Pelita Tacio, deputy chief of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Community Relations Office, said Wednesday that the incident also forced the closure of Kennon Road to vehicular traffic.
The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. and ravaged approximately 2,500 square meters, causing property damage worth an estimated P37.5 million.
Among the structures destroyed was an Iglesia ni Cristo worship hall.
Firefighters declared the blaze under control by 7 a.m.
During clearing operations, responders retrieved the body of a man later identified as Eric Dili Pacio, a native of Mayag Bauko, Tadian, Mountain Province.
Investigations are underway.
To expedite debris clearing, the Metro BLISTT Development Authority, chaired by Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ordered the temporary closure of Kennon Road on Wednesday. (PNA)