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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Ex-cop dies, 17 patients evacuated from burning Bulacan hospital

Ex-cop dies, 17 patients evacuated from burning Bulacan hospital

Published Dec 8, 2025 12:49 pm  |  Updated Dec 8, 2025 02:25 pm
Fire engulfs the four-story Our Lady of Mercy General Hospital in Barangay Longos, Pulilan, Bulacan, early Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of TDA)
Fire engulfs the four-story Our Lady of Mercy General Hospital in Barangay Longos, Pulilan, Bulacan, early Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo courtesy of TDA)
PULILAN, Bulacan — A fire razed the Our Lady of Mercy General Hospital in Barangay Longos, Pulilan, early Monday, Dec. 8, killing a retired police captain and forcing the evacuation of 17 patients.
Authorities identified the fatality as retired Police Captain Marcelino Leonardo, who was confined in the hospital’s intensive care unit and reportedly succumbed to severe smoke inhalation.
Pulilan Mayor Rolando S. Peralta rushed to the scene to oversee rescue operations, extend support to affected families, and personally condole with Leonardo’s relatives.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blaze broke out around 1:00 a.m., allegedly originating from the refrigerator area on the hospital’s second floor.
The fire quickly spread, prompting a third alarm response.
Rescue teams, firefighters, and local officials—including Village Councilor Garizaldy Adriano and Watchman Jessie Maraño—struggled to evacuate patients, some of whom were carried out through hospital windows.
The patients were later transported by ambulances to medical facilities in Plaridel and Baliwag City.
For several hours, the North Luzon Expressway near the site was temporarily closed to motorists to facilitate emergency operations.
The fire was declared out at 5:40 a.m., with investigators continuing to determine its exact cause and assess the extent of the damage. 

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