Mambaling fire victims to temporarily take shelter in Mambaling National High School School

Old and young victims of the fire that struck Sitio Tugas in Barangay Mambaling on Tuesday night, November 1, 2022, scavenge for whatever they can from the massive pile of ruin and destruction.| photo by Allan Cuizon of Cebu City PIO

(UPDATED)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The 180 families displaced by a fire that hit Sitio Tugas in Barangay Mambaling on Tuesday night, November 1, 2022, have been transferred to the Mambaling National High School.

Personnel from the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), facilitated the transfer of the fire victims on November 2.

Authorities said no one died or was injured by the almost two-hour-long blaze.

DSWS-Cebu City overseer Ester Concha said they are now negotiating with the Department of Education-Cebu City regarding the school’s facilities that can serve as temporary shelters for the fire victims.

“Karon, gihinay-hinay nato sila og balhin ngadto sa eskwelahan kay ang gusto sa atong mayor, adto man g’yod sila,” she said.

“Nakigsabot pa ta sa principal, of course sa DepEd, kung pila ka rooms ang ilang i accommodate nato considering nga mag face-to-face na sad karon,” she added.

READ: November 1 night fire displaces 100 families in Mambaling

Concha said validation is still ongoing to identify the total number of displaced families, but the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) said 180 families lost their homes to the massive fire.

The DSWS has already provided food and other necessities for the victims.

Concha also said drop boxes will be placed at the entrance of the evacuation center for those who would like to donate essentials.

“Nag coordinate sad ta sa atong ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development Council) para ma continue sad nila ang duwa-duwa and klase sa mga bata,” she said.

“Ni coordinate sad ta sa atong city health kung dunay kinahanglan og check up sa atong mga individuals nga affected gabii,” she added.

She said victims will receive fire assistance from the city government ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 depending if the victim is a sharer, renter, or an owner of a burned structure.

FO3 Emerson Arceo, the fire investigator-on-case, said the fire reportedly started at the residence of a certain Jerrylyn Laborte.

“Nabiyaan man kuno ni nga kandila sa gawas sa ilang balay. Wa man kunoy tawo atong panahona kay nagbilar kuno na sila kay namatyan man na sila. Maoy estorya sa mga tawo nga before nahitabo, naa kuno ni kandila sa gawas,” he said.    /rcg

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