Five young cousins died after being trapped inside a burning residential building in Tondo, Manila, on Monday evening, December 30.
Authorities said the fatalities were two boys aged eight and 10 and three girls aged eight, 11, and 15.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started at 10:39 p.m. allegedly on the second floor of a three-story residential building at 323 Malvar Street in Barangay 97, Tondo, Manila.
The Manila Fire Department said the fire escalated quickly. They raised the fire to second alarm at 10:48 p.m.
Fire responders said the fire was completely out by 11:25 p.m.
Based on the initial investigation, the children were trapped on the third floor of the building.
The fire displaced nine families, with around 20 individuals in need of shelter.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, while the damage was estimated to be around P150,000.
The Manila City government promised to assist the victims in their recovery and offer housing options as they rebuild their lives.
Local authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to prevent future tragedies, with plans for fire safety awareness campaigns.