Silay fire gobbles P500,000 worth of properties

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Silay reported that around P500,000 worth of properties went up in smoke after a fire razed 31 houses at Sitio Dakuta Dako, Barangay Mambulac, Silay City, Negros Occidental last Tuesday.

Inspector Rufino Tañedo, city fire marshal, said the blaze started from the house of Merlinda Tabangan, based on their investigation.

The fire destroyed 29 houses and damaged two others which are mostly made of light materials.

Tañedo earlier said they are looking into electrical causes as the possible trigger of the blaze.

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) reported that 31 families composed of 128 individuals are temporarily sheltered at Mambulac Elementary School.

Third district Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez already extended cash assistance of P5,000 per family, according to the CSWD.

Fire victims were also provided by the city government with basic necessities like clothing, food, and medicines, among others.

The local government will also be extending financial aid to the affected households.

The CSWD assured that health protocols were observed while fire victims are staying at the evacuation center.