An eight-year-old boy, a Grade 2 student of Talitay Elementary School, died after being trapped in a house fire that broke out past midnight on Thursday in Barangay Poblacion, Talitay town, Maguindanao del Norte
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed the incident Friday morning and reported that at least 10 houses were destroyed by the fire, which started around 11:00 PM.
According to authorities, the boy was asleep when the fire spread rapidly through the residential area. His mother, who was reportedly ill, struggled to evacuate, making it difficult for them to escape in time.
Efforts to rescue the child failed as the flames engulfed their home too quickly. His remains were scheduled for burial Thursday morning.
Fire investigators are still determining the cause of the blaze. Local officials have yet to release the estimated damage cost or whether the victims will receive assistance.
Authorities remind residents to be vigilant, especially during late-night hours, to avoid similar incidents.
