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Bacolod City, Negros Occidental — An early morning fire killed 16 people trapped in a two-story boarding house while 46 other houses were destroyed in barangay 19, this city past midnight yesterday.
Witnesses said the fire began from the boarding house where bodies were found beneath the rubble after the building caved in, said Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was at the scene of the fire.
Many of the dead were clutching each other. They were charred beyond recognition, said Fire Officer 3 Cornelio Silva.
Silva said they were determining what caused the fire.
Silva said many of the dead were initially identified either by their first or last names. Most appeared to be couples or couples with children.
Among the victims are Joselito alias Junjun; Junnifer, Joshua, and Jennilyn Demandar; Novy and Beegie Chavez; Joselyn, Jovylynn, and Rosemarie Nino; Eduara, Napo, and two other children.
Chief Inspector Rico Santotome, spokesman of Negros Occidental police, said the fire started at the home of a certain Morita Depakakibo. The fire started at 1:19 a.m. and quickly spread to nearby homes, which are all made of light materials.
The fire was put out shortly before 3 a.m. as fire investigators pegged the total damage at P2.5 million.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condoled with the families of the 16 persons.
The President has ordered immediate assistance to the victims through the local government unit. Anthony Golez deputy president spokesman said that the city disaster coordinating council has convened to provide help to the victims. /inquirer
