‘No foul play in Isabela mayor’s office fire’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Irene Montilla of Isabela, Negros Occidental on Monday dismissed as “malicious” claims that the fire that hit her office last April 8, 2022 was a case of arson.

“People will do anything for politics,” Montilla said.

The local Bureau of Fire and Protection said there were no signs of foul play in the incident, stressing that the fire was triggered by electrical short circuits.

Water dripping into electrical outlets inside the office is believed to have caused the blaze.

Montilla claimed that the fire only damaged the pantry which contained her personal items such as religious icons, medicines, and food supplies.

She stressed that no official documents were burned, contrary to speculations.

“I don’t sign any documents there,” she added.

Montilla said that the fire may have gobbled more than P1 million worth of properties.

Prior to the fire incident, there was already a plan to recheck, rewire or fix the electrical wirings since the municipal building is already old, she said.

But it did not push through since the budget for 2022 has yet to be approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of Isabela, as of this time, the mayor added.

Montilla added that the repair of the town’s fire truck engine was also affected by the non-approval of the 2022 budget.

To repair the damage caused by the fire, Montilla said they will use the P5-million budget allocated by 5^th district Rep. Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca for the renovation of the municipal hall.