BY JEN BAYLON & MAI LADIAO
ROXAS City – Over a hundred houses were consumed by the fire on Rizal Street, Barangay 7, Roxas City, displacing an estimated 103 families.
The latest data from the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showed that 71 families, or 268 individuals, currently seek shelter at Rufina Andrada Santos Memorial School. While 32 families, or 366 individuals, opted to stay outside the evacuation center.
The blaze broke out at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and firefighting lasted until around 2:47 p.m.
Two senior citizens died.
Anita Villaruz, 66, a person with disability, was alone at the time after her son, a driver, left to work.
Another fatality, Nestor Clarito, 78, could have survived but went back to his house in an attempt to save some of their belongings.
According to Senior Fire Officer 4 Terrence A. Himan, chief operating officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Roxas City, the blaze reached “third alarm” status.
He added that it prompted the response of six fire stations, including those from Ivisan, Sapian, Sigma, Panay, Panitan, and Pontevedra towns.
Punong Barangay Nilo Diestro alleged that the cause was unattended cooking, although an investigation by the BFP is still underway.
Samples and specimens from the scene were collected, which will be sent to their head office for examination.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ronnie Dadivas inspected the Tanza Ville in Barangay Tanza, a relocation site for the fire victims, with the DSWD yesterday.
Financial assistance will also be provided to the fire victims, the mayor assured.
Dadivas then expressed his gratitude for the concerted efforts of the brave individuals who risked their lives to help the residents of Barangay 7.
“Isa ka masakit nga pagtilaw kag trahedya ang aton gin-atubang sa Roxas City subong. Luyag ko lang magpalab-ot sang hantup nga pagpasalamat sa aton mga ginakabig baganihan nga nagrisgo sang ila kabuhi para sa mga kasimanwa naton nga nasunugan. Salamat, salamat gid sa inyo sakripisyo,” he said./PN