BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – Fire engulfed five houses and partially damaged two others in Phase 1, Villa Carolina Subdivision in Barangay Yulo Drive, Arevalo district around 12:15 p.m. yesterday, Jan. 15.
The Bureau of Fire Protection said the initial estimate of the damages was P1,793,000.
According to Barangay Captain Geraldine Tumbokon, the totally damaged homes were owned by relatives Julius Pancho, Joebert Pancho, Elena Pancho, Ernesto Pancho, and Jenelyn Pancho.
“Ang partially damaged nga nalab-ot man ang kilid sang ila balay amo ang kay (Fanny) Valera kag (Rhodema) Militante,” Tumbokon said.
The fire reportedly started in the home of Julius.
His wife was cooking when the flames broke out. She quickly sought help as the fire spread throughout their house, built mainly with bamboo and tarpaulins.
Joebert and his wife Leslie also expressed their sorrow, revealing that the fire engulfed their hard-earned savings, amounting to approximately P20,000.
The appliances Joebert had just repaired as his livelihood, his child’s school modules, their clothing, and chickens were not spared as well.
Meanwhile, barangay tanod George attributed the rapid spread of the fire to strong winds.
“Madasig ang paglamon sang kalayo bangud mabaskug ang hangin rason nga natupok ang panimalay nga human sa light materials,” he said.
Tumbokon appealed to anyone willing to extend assistance to the affected families to coordinate with the barangay authorities.
“Nagapangayo ako sang hamili nga bulig, kung pwede mabuligan ang mga nasunugan, daku gid na ang akon pasalamat,” he said./PN
