Fire hits densely-packed community in Apas, one reported missing

Firefighters checks on structures in Barangay Apas which was hit by fire past 2 p.m. on Monday. At least 60 houses were damaged. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

CEBU CITY–At least 60 houses made of light materials were damaged by fire that hit a densely-packed community in Barangay Apas, Cebu City on Monday afternoon.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Rogelio Bongabong said they were also checking on reports of a senior citizen who was reported missing at 3:55 p.m.

“We only know him as 70 years old Añano. According to the information we got, he also lost his home in Guadalupe to fire,” said Bongabong.

(CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

Bongabong said that based on their initial investigation, the fire started from the house of Gemma Balatong who just finished cooking food that she would sell at the nearby Cebu IT Park.

He said they were still conducting headcount of the displaced families and individuals which included a group of blind persons.

“They were from the Cebu City Home for the Blind in Barangay Banilad and transferred here,” said Councilor Allan Majait.

Two blind men check for updates on the fire through a transistor radio. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman, who went to the site, said they were now negotiating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Central Visayas to allow the fire victims to use some of thier space as temporary shelter.

The Cebu City Fire Department received the alarm around 2:26 p.m., which was later raised to 2nd alarm status asking all nearby fire stations to respond. The fire was put under control at 2:55 p.m.

The fire site forms part of the 93-1 province-owned lot. Estimated cost of damage was placed at P500,000.

Fire victims wait helplessly for updates on the fire that hit their community in Barangay Apas, Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)