Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Metro Manila
Intramuros fire leaves 2 dead, 600 families homeless, P1.5M damage
Philippines
Metro Manila
Intramuros fire leaves 2 dead, 600 families homeless, P1.5M damage
Intramuros fire leaves 2 dead, 600 families homeless, P1.5M damage
Published Feb 25, 2026 05:13 pm
A massive fire, allegedly triggered by a jealous husband, left two people dead, displaced around 600 families, and caused an estimated P1.5 million in damage in the densely populated Maisan area of Intramuros on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) confirmed two fatalities, though authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the victims pending proper notification of their families.
It said both victims were senior citizens. One reportedly died due to nervousness. They were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for another individual in the affected area.
Residents sift through the ashes of their burned homes in Maisan, Intramuros, hoping to recover belongings that can still be salvaged after the devastating fire that displaced hundreds of families.
Photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office
The blaze began at around 4:58 p.m., sending thick black smoke into the sky that alarmed residents and employees of nearby commercial establishments.
It was raised to second alarm at 5:08 p.m., prompting the dispatch of additional firefighting units.
As flames rapidly spread across at least 300 homes, the blaze was elevated to fourth alarm at 5:28 p.m.
Witnesses and initial investigation suggest the fire may have been deliberately set.
Authorities identified the suspect as a man known only as alias “Burnok,” an ex-convict in his mid-30s with a history of robbery cases, who had reportedly been released from New Bilibid Prison the night before.
Residents claimed he discovered his wife with another man, triggering a fit of jealousy and rage.
In his fury, Burnok reportedly returned to his home on the fourth floor of a residential building along Cabildo Street carrying a container of gasoline from his father’s truck.
He was said to have poured the fuel in and around his house before setting it ablaze.
Flames quickly spread to the rooftop and neighboring houses, many built with light materials in the tightly packed community.
Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze due to narrow alleys that restricted fire truck access and an insufficient water supply from limited fire hydrants.
Electricity in several streets was temporarily cut off to ensure safety during operations.
The fire was declared out at around 11:30 p.m., more than six hours after it began.
The suspect was later apprehended by the Manila Police District and is now under investigation for possible arson.
Residents evacuated hurriedly, carrying only essential belongings.
Many work as stall owners and vendors at nearby talipapas, while others are students and employees, including those from Manila High School.Authorities advised motorists to avoid Victoria, Magallanes, and Cabildo streets as the re-mapping operations continue.
The Manila Department of Social Welfare and Development (MDSW), under Director Jay Dela Fuente, immediately provided relief to 532 affected families.
Hot meals and family kits were distributed to evacuees temporarily staying at theDelpan Sports Complex, with additional aid continuing through the city government.
Barangay 655 Chairman Johny Yacub said relief operations and damage assessments remain ongoing as authorities investigate the cause and assist displaced residents.