Thousands of Tondo fire victims appeal for help
"Walang natira sa amin... bahay, damit, kahit pagkain wala (We lost everything—our home, our clothes, even food)."
Fire victims in Tondo, Manila, are pleading for immediate assistance after a massive fire displaced thousands of individuals on Wednesday, April 23.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Capital Region Spokesperson Fire Senior Superintendent Bonifacio Carta said the massive fire razed over 500 structures in a residential area in Barangay 123.
The fire lasted nine hours and caused an estimated P10 million damage to property.

He said the preliminary findings showed that the fire may have been caused by either faulty electrical wiring or an unattended candle, originating from the second floor of a home allegedly owned by Loreto Heraldo.
Carta also said that firefighting operations were hindered by a shortage of water supply which delayed the containment efforts.
The fire escalated quickly, reaching Task Force Charlie status by 3:32 a.m.
Most of the affected residents took shelter in nearby covered courts which were converted into temporary evacuation centers.
"Walang natira sa amin... bahay, damit, kahit pagkain wala (We lost everything—our home, our clothes, even food)," said one displaced mother, now staying at a nearby evacuation center.

The Manila Department of Social Welfare distributed tents and food packs to the evacuees.
Manila DSW Head Re Fugoso said each affected family will also receive P10,000 in cash assistance to help them recover.
Large tents were set up to provide better shelter for evacuees, while portalets were installed throughout the area.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development – NCR (DSWD-NCR) also conducted a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) to assess the situation and guide long-term relief efforts.