BY JEN BAYLON & MAI LADIAO
ROXAS City – Two persons were confirmed dead in the fire that razed a residential area on Rizal Street, Barangay 7 in this city yesterday.
The fatalities were identified as Anita Villaruz, a person with disability, and Nestor Clarito. Both were senior citizens.
Initial information indicated that Villaruz was alone at home. Meanwhile, Clarito reportedly was able to get out but returned to retrieve the refrigerator from his house.
The blaze that broke out at approximately 1:15 p.m. reached “third alarm” status.
The city’s Bureau of Fire Protection declared “fire out” at around 2:47 p.m.
As of this writing, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ronnie Dadivas promptly arrived at the scene to ensure assistance for the affected residents.
“Gin-ubos gid tupok sang sunog ang puluy-an sang ginatos ka pumoluyo. Halos tanan sa ila wala gid sang may nasalbar nga pagkabutang bangud sa madasig nga pag-ibwal sang kalayo,” he said.
A command post has been established by the city government, together with its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Social Welfare and Development Office, City Engineers Office, and Electrical Division, among other agencies concerned.
Affected residents are currently taking shelter at Rufina Andrada Memorial School./PN
