The Manila City Government, through its Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), has distributed aid and other forms of assistance to residents affected by the huge fire that hit a residential area in Gates 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Parola Compound in Tondo on Friday, March 6.
MDSW Director Jay Dela Fuente said the fire victims are currently staying at Delpan Covered Court, where modular tents have been set up by the city government for them to stay.
"Sa kasalukuyan ay nagpapatuloy ang assessment at validation ng mga apektadong pamilya, gayundin ang pamamahagi ng hot meals upang matiyak na may agarang pagkain ang mga evacuees habang sila ay nasa evacuation area (Currently, assessment and validation of affected families is ongoing, as well as the distribution of hot meals to ensure that evacuees have immediate food while they are in the evacuation area)," Dela Fuente said, ensuring residents that the city government is ready to help them during this time of need.
According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the fire started at around 1:18 a.m. and quickly reached the second alarm at 1:24 a.m., the third alarm at 1:31 a.m., and the fourth alarm at 1:59 a.m.
The fire was declared out at around 5:46 a.m.
MDSW's final tally shows 349 families lost their homes in the fire that destroyed over P800,000 worth of properties and belongings.
Authorities are also investigating reports about an individual who had allegedly caused the fire in a fit of rage.