Nearly 200 families stay in tents after Mandaue fire

Fire victims of barangay Ibabao-Estancia and Sitio Sto. Niño of Barangay Guizo settled down in tents provided by the Mandaue City government (CDNPHOTO/NORMANMENDOZA)

AT LEAST 191 families were displaced by the fire that hit two sitios of barangays Ibabao-Estancia and Guizo in Mandaue City last Friday afternoon.

They can’t go back to rebuild their houses.

Ibabao- Estancia Barangay captain Jun del  Mar said the Amigo  family which owns the private lot  had earlier called on occupants to  transfer since the property would  be sold to  Pro-Food, a  company which owns the adjacent lot.

He said the family would provide financial assistance to the house owners.

Del Mar said the settlers will be allowed to stay for a month until they find a relocation site.

The fire victims  lived in 112 houses, including 14 houses in sitio Sto. Niño at the side of barangay Guizo near the bank of the creek that were all destroyed by the fire, the city’s social welfare services (CSWS) office said.

Jun Del Mar and Guizo barangay chairman  Jesus Neri said they will double-check the numbers.

Tents were set up at a vacant lot near the fire site for the victims who were provided packed meals, canned goods, used clothing, kitchen utensils, and blankets.

Relief goods were also sent by the office of Rep. Luigi Quisumbing of Cebu’s 6th district.

Among the fire victims were Jesus Bucar and Madel Remedio, parents of 6-year-old Jessa Mae Bucar who died in the fire.

They said they are willing to relocate elsewhere.

Narsing Arsenal, another resident, who was earlier reported missing has been found and is unharmed.

The Mandaue City Council is expected to approve a resolution in its session this week to allocate cash assistance to the fire victims.