A fire broke out around 6 pm on Friday, December 26, a day after Christmas Day, and gutted at least 13 houses along Bonifacio Street, Barangay 3, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, causing an estimated P125,000 in damage as families prepared to enter the New Year.
Fire Officer Jesrel Gersalia of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kabankalan told Brigada News FM Kabankalan that the blaze totally destroyed 11 houses and partially damaged two others.
The fire displaced 65 individuals from 13 families. Several residents said the incident made it difficult to face the New Year after they lost their homes and personal belongings.
The affected homeowners included Sherien Ramos, Maria Sol Taelajan, Joane Apuhin, Ailyn Medel, Gerlie Versoza, Jezelle Bacolina, Oscar Versoza, Nedsel Tulbo, Jay-R Tulbo, Allen John Layog, Jolina Layog, Jem Layog, and Stephen Layog.
A resident who requested anonymity said they suspect a heater triggered the fire. However, the BFP said investigators continue to determine the cause, and authorities have not confirmed the origin of the blaze as of press time.
In a live video, Benjie Miranda said the city will provide P5,000 in financial assistance to families with partially damaged houses and P10,000 to those whose homes were totally destroyed.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will facilitate the release of the assistance. The CSWDO also distributed family kits and other immediate aid to the affected families.
The fire caused no injuries.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.