ILOILO City – Two separate fires broke out here on March 8, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and damaging nine homes, with property losses exceeding P427,500.
The first fire occurred at dawn in Zone 6, Barangay Infante, Molo district, where two homes were destroyed and another partially damaged.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the alarm to the second level before the fire was declared under control at 5:15 a.m. and fully extinguished by 5:25 a.m.
Three family members — Lloyd Reyes, 40, his wife, Lowelyn, 40, and their seven-year-old daughter, Amber Marie — were trapped inside their burning home and perished.
Both parents were teachers at Iloilo City National High School.
Investigators suspect the fire originated from faulty electrical wiring in the ceiling.
Fire Superintendent Melanie Habawel of the Iloilo City Fire Station urged residents to prioritize fire safety, particularly checking electrical systems for potential hazards.
Later in the afternoon, another fire erupted at around 4:34 p.m. in Zone 14, Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo district.
This fire affected six homes, destroying three owned by Rommel Pinto, Lorena Penos, and Samuel Francisco, while three others sustained partial damage.
The fire caused approximately P157,500 in property damage, although no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Displaced families from Arevalo are currently being sheltered at the barangay gym while local authorities work to provide assistance and gather donations for their needs.
Investigations are ongoing for both incidents, and authorities are coordinating support for the affected residents./PN
