Two sisters, aged seven and 19, died after they were trapped in their burning house during a fire that damaged six homes in San Mateo, Rizal, on Monday, May 4.
Smoke is seen rising from a fire that engulfed residential houses in San Mateo, Rizal on May 4. (Photo from San Mateo Rizal-MDRRMO)
The victims' remains were later found on the second flor of the residence along Daang Tubo in Barangay Malanday.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze broke out at noon and reached the first alarm before being extinguished at around 12:31 p.m.
According to the San Mateo Rizal Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, six houses were affected by the fire.
The San Mateo Rizal Public Information Office said an estimated 10 families were affected and now staying at Barangay Malanday Covered Court.
The San Mateo, Rizal-Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office immediately provided them with food packs, hygiene kits, and other necessities.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
“Nakaantabay din ang Pamahalaang Bayan, lalong higit ang mga frontliners, upang makapagpaabot ng agarang tulong at serbisyo. Maging alerto, mga kababayan (The municipal government, especially frontliners, were also on standby to provide immediate assistance and services. Residents are also advised to remain alert),” the municipality said.