LUCENA CITY, Philippines: A fire of undetermined origin destroyed 70 houses and left 74 families homeless in Bacoor City, Cavite province, late Saturday (June 7) night.
In a belated report released Monday, the Police Regional Office 4A said the blaze broke out at 10.51pm in Barangay Talaba 3.
Firefighters extinguished the fire at 12.43am Sunday, but not before it gutted dozens of houses made mostly of light materials.
According to the local government, the fire displaced 244 individuals, who are now staying at Talaba Elementary School and receiving assistance from social workers.
Just days earlier, on June 3, another fire in neighbouring Barangay Talaba 2 destroyed 60 homes and left 75 families homeless.
Officials in Barangay Talaba 3 said some fire victims suffered minor injuries and were treated by local health workers. Others reportedly fell ill and also received medical attention.
The barangay council has appealed for donations, including food, rice, canned goods, bottled water, hygiene kits, and financial aid for the affected families.
Police said the cause of the fire and the estimated value of property damage remain under investigation. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
