Siblings Die in Candle Fire; Grandfather Injured

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Two young siblings died and their grandfather was injured after a fire broke out early Tuesday at their home in Purok Lison, Barangay 1.

The victims were an 8-year-old boy and his 6-year-old sister.

Their grandfather, 63-year-old Edwardo, suffered second-degree burns on his face and right arm, and a first-degree burn on his left forearm.

Fire Officer 2 Rolin Paulan, chief arson investigator of the Bacolod City Fire Station, said the blaze was caused by a lighted candle placed on a table near the children’s bed.

The family had been using candles due to a power outage that began around 9 p.m. Monday.

The children were left alone while their mother went out to buy food around midnight.

The fire was reported at 2:19 a.m. and quickly engulfed the house, which was made of light materials.

Their grandfather, who lived nearby, tried to save the children but was unable to reach them due to the intense flames.

The siblings were later found near a wooden partition close to their bed.

Firefighters declared the fire out at 2:33 a.m.

Damage was estimated at PHP3,000, and no other properties were affected.

In a media interview, the children’s mother said they had planned to move to Iloilo.

She expressed grief over her children’s deaths, saying she failed to protect them when they needed her most.

A few hours later, another fire hit Zone 4, Purok Tunay, Barangay Bata, affecting two homes.

Paulan said the homeowner had gone to work and reportedly left rice cooking unattended.

The fire was reported at 8:08 a.m., completely destroying one house and partially damaging another.

No one was home during the incident.

The fire was declared out at 8:30 a.m., with no reported injuries.

Damage was pegged at PHP15,000.