• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A fire erupted around 7 p.m. on Friday, December 26, on Bonifacio Street, Barangay 3, in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, leaving at least 91 residents homeless as the new year approached, according to police reports.
Initial investigations conducted by the Kabankalan Police Station revealed that the blaze started in the residence of an unidentified victim. The fire quickly spread to neighboring houses and boarding houses, exacerbated by the use of light materials in the structures.
The incident resulted in the complete destruction of two boarding houses and partial damage to seven other homes. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
A resident displaced by the fire told Brigada News FM Kabankalan that they suspect an overheated heater may have sparked the blaze. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Kabankalan City is currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.
All affected individuals were temporarily sheltered at the Kabankalan City Evacuation Center, police said.
In response to the disaster, Mayor Benjie Miranda announced via Facebook Live that the city will provide financial assistance to the affected families which will be facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Each family whose house was completely destroyed will receive P10,000, and those with partially damaged homes will receive P5,000.*
