A fire destroyed three belen inside San Isidro Labrador Parish in the town of Tabogon, Cebu on Friday morning, authorities said.
The fire broke out at about 9 a.m. on Dec. 26 and spread rapidly after reaching decorations made of light materials, according to initial reports. The belen, commonly displayed in churches during the Christmas season, were quickly engulfed by flames.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection responded immediately and were able to put out the fire before it spread to other areas of the church. Authorities said no injuries were reported during the incident.
In its initial investigation, the BFP said it is considering several possible causes of the fire, including the use of firecrackers or a problem with electrical wiring. Officials stressed that these are still under evaluation as the investigation continues.
Church officials confirmed that the three belen were completely destroyed. No other damage to church property was immediately reported.
Following the incident, the local government of Tabogon reminded the public to exercise caution when using holiday decorations and firecrackers, especially during the Christmas and New Year season. Officials noted that decorative materials and electrical installations can pose fire risks if not properly handled.
Authorities urged residents to regularly inspect electrical connections and keep flammable materials away from heat sources. The Bureau of Fire Protection said it continues to intensify fire safety monitoring during the holiday period.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said further details will be released once the exact cause of the fire is determined.
