Scene of the Crime Operatives inspect the fire scene in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, which left four people dead and several injured./Paul Lauro
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Four people, including the owner, died when a blaze struck a firecracker factory in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, on Monday, December 11, 2023.
Fire investigators from the Lapu-Lapu City Fire Station have confirmed that four of the five individuals reported missing during the fire perished.
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4 dead victims identified
The fatalities are identified as Sixto Berdin, the owner of the factory, his daughter Gwendolyn Lucero, Argie Escobia, and Kristian Monsanto.
Fire officials also recorded six individuals who sustained fire burns, including a six-year-old child: Justine LLanas, Julito Enoc, Jade Rasonable, Joana Berdin, Rodnel Berdin, and Ren-Ren Berdin.
READ: 4 kids die in fire in Brgy. Tisa, Cebu City
Inspections in firecracker factories
While fire investigators continue to probe the origins of the blaze, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan stated that the city government would conduct inspections in firecracker factories to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The mayor also promised to provide assistance to the fire victims, including the relatives of those who died.
Barangay Babag in Lapu-Lapu City is known for manufacturing firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products.
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