By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 31-year-old woman died after she was trapped inside her burning home late Saturday night along Makiling Street in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City.

Authorities identified the fatality as Hannah Mae Garaygay.

Based on information provided by the Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), they received a firecall around 11:40 p.m. reporting the house owned by 60-year-old Ruel Garaygay was on fire.

BFP personnel, local fire volunteers, and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office paramedics immediately responded.

The victim, along with her three children, initially managed to evacuate the burning home. However, witnesses said the woman went back inside and was never seen again.

A concerned resident also tried to enter the home, in the attempt to rescue the victim, but he was forced back due to the intense heat.

BFP arson investigators believe the victim was trapped and eventually suffocated due to the thick smoke generated by the blaze.

The victim’s remains, discovered inside her bedroom, were burned beyond recognition.

Bacolod City Fire Marshall, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, said the fire was extinguished shortly before midnight, with damages estimated at P100,000.

The Garaygay family cremated Hannah’s remains yesterday morning./DGB, WDJ