Fire victims get congressional, city help

Victims of an early morning fire at Purok Kagaykay in Brgy. 2, Bacolod on Wednesday got initial assistance from the congressional office and the city government.

A total of 73 houses were destroyed and eight were damaged, and 80 families were affected, in the blaze that struck past 3 a.m. in the squatters’ area.

The office of Congressman Greg Gasataya brought assistance with the congressman himself rushing to the fire scene. City Social Welfare and Development Office reported that families affected were also given help on the direction of Mayor Albee Benitez.

Initial arson investigation showed that the fire started from a house rented by a certain Monaliza Magbanua and a renter identified as Waldo who was using an improvised mosquito repellant which allegedly caused the fire, Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said.

The damage was placed at about P1.4 million.

Masip said Waldo, a construction worker, was using an egg tray as a stand of his mosquito repellant.

Neighbors have scolded Waldo several times not to use an egg tray as they have smelled something was burning inside the house.

The city government also through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRMMO) delivered food packs, hygiene kits, water jugs for the affected residents.*