The Iloilo City government recently extended assistance to those impacted by the fire that struck Sitio Langka, Barangay Benedicto in the Jaro district of Iloilo City last weekend.

A total of 66 households who were “totally affected” each received P5,000, while those deemed “partially affected” each received P2,500.

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III also instructed barangay officials to ensure there are passageways in order for firefighters to enter certain areas in case an emergency strikes.

The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) estimated total damages to be P4 million.

According to authorities, the incident originated at the home of Reynaldo Ledesma, which City Fire Marshal Bartolome Beliran attributed to electrical overloading due to the illegal tapping of electricity.

In addition, with the majority of homes made of light materials, it was easy for the fire to spread./WDJ