Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, together with personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), inspected Sitio 6, Barangay Catmon on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 23, following a massive fire that displaced hundreds of families.

According to the Public Information Office (PIO), a total of 494 families, or 1,906 individuals, were affected by the blaze that gutted around 1,500 houses on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

During the inspection, Sandoval personally met with displaced residents and assured them of the city government’s continued assistance.

“Ang mga paunang tulong na ito ay agad po naming inihanda para maipamahagi sa inyo. Alam po namin ang bigat, lungkot, at pangangambang nararamdaman lalo na ng mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng naganap na sakuna sa Catmon (We immediately prepared these initial forms of assistance to be distributed to you. We understand the weight, sadness, and anxiety felt especially by the families affected by the tragedy in Catmon),” she said.

“Kaya po sinisiguro ko sa inyo, na tayo sa pamahalaang lungsod ang inyong kakampi, kaagapay, at sandigan ngayong oras ng pangangailangan (That’s why I assure you — we in the city government are your allies, your partners, and your source of support in this time of need),” Sandoval added.

The City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) distributed food packs containing rice, coffee, noodles, water, and canned goods, as well as hygiene kits with toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. Sleeping kits and other non-food items were also provided to affected families in all evacuation centers.

Sandoval also led the distribution of financial assistance to help families recover from the devastation of the fire, which razed approximately 1,500 houses.

The mayor also directed the immediate deployment of relief and recovery operations on Wednesday night, including portalets, mobile water refilling stations, medical stations, and the Mobile Jeannie Services, which provide mobile water, laundry, and shower assistance to evacuees.

Affected families are temporarily staying at several evacuation sites, including the Catmon Evacuation Center, Catmon Integrated School, Acacia Elementary School, Tonsuya Covered Court, Tugatog Covered Court, and Niugan Covered Court.

To ensure the comfort and well-being of evacuees, the city government also deployed water refilling stations, Mobile Jeannie Services, hot meals, 121 modular tents, portalets, ambulances, and emergency vehicles.

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Health centers were also opened, and medical stations were set up near evacuation areas.

Immediate medical attention was provided to seven individuals who sustained injuries while authorities were putting out the fire.

The Malabon Schools Division Office (SDO) said that classes at Catmon Integrated School, Acacia Elementary School, and Tonsuya Integrated School were suspended to accommodate evacuees.

Meanwhile, the city government issued a traffic advisory implementing temporary rerouting of trucks heading to Barangay Catmon to ease congestion and allow Meralco to repair damaged power lines in the area.

Trucks bound for Catmon are advised to take M.H. Del Pilar (left), Lascano (right exiting to C4), continue along Rizal Avenue, turn right to Gen. Luna, and left to Gov. Pascual Avenue.

For trucks exiting Gov. Pascual Avenue, they may take Sanciangco (left), right to Tinajeros Bridge via M.H. Del Pilar, and continue to Francis Street for a smoother route.

The LGU has also opened a donation drive for the fire victims. Malabueños, organizations, and groups are encouraged to donate clothes, canned goods, toiletries, and other essentials to the City Human Resource Management and Development Department (CHRMD) located on the 9th floor of Malabon City Hall.

For emergencies, residents may reach the city government through the Malabon All Hazards One Network (AHON) Alert 24/7 mobile application, via TXT MJS at 0917-689-8657 / 0917-889-8657, or through landline numbers (8) 921-6029 / (8) 921-6000.