17 left homeless in Brgy. Monica fire
Arson investigators have yet to officially conclude its probe on yesterday’s early morning fire at Barangay Monica, Iloilo City proper. Yet to date, a total of seventeen families have been confirmed to be homeless as a result of the blaze that occurred about 4 a.m.
The News Today (TNT) in a report gathered that initial origin of the fire was believed to be in the family home of one Ramona Chavez. Totally gutted too was the house owned by Barangay Kagawad Frank “Antak” Espinosa, also a former barangay captain.
To note, two days prior to the incident, locals here have been rendered powerless following the breakage of a transformer owned by the Panay Electric Company (PECO).
Bombo Radyo Iloilo in an initial list of fire victims released by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) disclosed totally-damaged homes of Antonio Escubido, an organic member of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Barangay Monica resident, Leyte Chavez, Eugenio Espinosa and Jerry Chavez.
Also rendered homeless were Elena Besonia, Elena Arguilles, Amalia Galan, Enrique Pineda, Vilma Cabillos, Bienvenido Caldito, Arnold Atenado, Lucy Patingo, Emelita Caldito, Ben Salgado and Carlos Alojado.
City Councilor Jose “Joe III” Espinosa when reached for update assured TNT that immediate city government relief and assistance were in place to help the affected residents.
“The fire was one big unfortunate incident but let us be thankful that lives were spared. Mayor Jerry Treñas through our City Social Welfare and our office is helping out any way we can to help our affected families rebuild their lives. I am also thankful that people helped each other and for the heroic efforts of our fire personnel to put the fire under control with no casualties,” Councilor Espinosa said.
Punong Barangay Noel Espinosa said the A. Montes Elementary School has been designated evacuation center for the fire victims.
CSWDO has already distributed relief goods such as cans of sardines, noodles, and rice to the families who lost their houses.
Brgy. Capt. Espinosa also called for donations of blankets and used clothings for the fire victims.