Damages to market fire in Iloilo reach P44 million

ILOILO CITY — The fire that razed the public market of Oton town, Iloilo province has damaged at least P44-million worth of properties.

This was the latest estimate released by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-Iloilo) as it has accounted more than 40 percent of the almost 560 market stalls that were totally damaged.

This was different from the initial figure of P30 million in damages.

But Fire Inspector Roberto Tamayo Jr. said the P44 million figure might be higher as the list of partially damaged market stalls have not yet been completed.

Tamayo said that investigation is still on going as to what caused the fire, but it’s looking that it started in the dry goods section of the back side of the market.

It took BFP firemen from the towns of Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, as well as Iloilo City and volunteer fire brigades to put out the fire.

Meanwhile, Iloilo 1st District Congresswoman Janette Loreto-Garin has assured cash assistance of at least P5,000 to affected vendors.

“My heart breaks for the victims of the fire at Oton Public Market. Many of our kababayan are still recovering from the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette, and yet here we are, facing another tragedy that will affect lives and livelihood,” Garin said in a statement.