By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Six persons died while four others were hurt in a fire that gutted more than 50 houses and rendered 500 families homeless at 1003 Labor Compound, Arlegui Street in Quiapo, Manila, on Thursday, Dec. 29.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) identified the fatalities as Rul Daniel Cayetano, 34; his live-in partner Jofemie Porio, 32; their seven-year-old son; their 12-year-old twin nieces; and Rolando Briones, 63, who was working in a nearby vulcanizing shop.
The Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) said the bodies of the victims were retrieved and brought to Sanctuary Funeral homes in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Meanwhile, the BFP identified the four injured victims as Sammy Garcia, 80; his wife Yufemia Garcia, 71; Moralino Perocho, 40; and a five-year-old boy, all residing in the area. They were immediately given first aid and are now in good condition, the MDSW added.
The BFP said the first fire alarm was declared at 2:34 a.m. and the second at 2:37 a.m. It escalated to third alarm at 2:50 a.m. and was declared under control at 4:51 a.m.
The fire was extinguished at 8:10 a.m.
More than 30 fire trucks responded to the fire scene.
The fire allegedly started on the second floor of a four-story house owned by Porio and Floralde families.
The house was made of light materials, the BFP said.
It also said the delays in controlling the fire were caused by weak water supply from the three fire hydrants located far from the fire-hit area.
It added that the fire also hit the second floor of the barangay hall and a portion of the daycare center in the area.
Meanwhile, some 382 families evacuated to a covered court in Barangay 388, 1140 Pasaje del Carmen St., Quiapo.
The city government said they already provided hot meals to the evacuates.
Mayor Honey Lacuna will personally distribute grocery packs and other assistance to the fire victims on Friday, Dec. 30.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.