UP Ibalon Bicol

Sixteen (16) people died in a fast-burning fire that gutted a two apartment building and about 60 dwellings in a slum community in Bacolod, a city in dentral Philippines. The conflagration started about midnight on Monday,, November 2, 2009 rousing victims from their sleep. It is believed that a candle used in the All Saint’s day celebration was the cause of the fire. Those who died were severely burned, making recognition difficult.

In the meantime----“At least four other fires occurred in Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, Surigao del Sur and Cavite from Sunday until early Monday, with at least another person hurt in the Surigao del Sur incident.”---Manila Bulletin (11/02/09, Recuenco, A; Luci, C; Dominguez, M; Giron, A.)

Of the 16 who perished in Bacolod, 4 were children. The tragedy displaced about 3,000 residents who sought shelter in a nearby elementary school. (Photo Credit: Desmonkey) =0=

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