Nine people were injured when a booth representing Canlaon City caught fire at the Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete City at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21.
A video recorded by a festivalgoer showed people jumping out of the booth as the fire spread. The footage drew attention to the actions of two police officers seen at the scene.
The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office clarified that the officers did not simply retreat from the fire. Police identified them as PCpl. Nelson Antequeño and Patrolman Joselito Ramirez.
According to the provincial police office, Antequeño and Ramirez tried to extinguish the flames using a fire extinguisher. They moved away when the situation became dangerous, then returned to help evacuate affected people and bring them to a safe place.
Police said the officers tried using a fire extinguisher, stepped back when conditions became dangerous, then returned to evacuate people and guide them to safety.
The footage showed festivalgoers jumping from the booth as flames spread, while the police office later explained that the officers had attempted to use an extinguisher before moving away temporarily.
The heat from the flames also damaged the reflectorized vest worn by one of the officers, based on information gathered after the incident.
Nine people sustained scratches and minor burns and were taken to a hospital.
The Bureau of Fire Protection’s initial investigation indicated that the fire was electrical in nature. Authorities declared the fire out at about 9:15 p.m.
The cause remains under investigation.
Following the incident, the governor ordered another inspection of festival booths to help ensure public safety.
The provincial police office’s clarification addressed the officers’ actions shown in the video, while authorities continue investigating the fire. The reinspection order is intended to check the booths following the incident and ensure public safety at the festival.
