Arson investigators still probing the incident

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Barangay Mansilingan Captain Boy Pico yesterday said some residents believe the fire that struck the area of Purok Kahirup B late Wednesday afternoon was caused by a reportedly mentally ill resident.

According to Pico, he spoke with affected residents to look into possible causes of the blaze and was told there was a resident with a tendency of shouting “fire” for no reason.

In a separate interview conducted by Watchmen Daily Journal, some residents claimed the fire was caused by a faulty electrical wire from an old wooden post.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has yet to officially determine what actually caused the blaze as arson investigators were seen interviewing affected residents yesterday morning at the Barangay Mansilingan gymnasium.

Meanwhile, Pico said they turned over relief supplies such as food, clothes, and blankets.

Individuals and religious groups have also donated relief goods, while the city government is expected to provide financial assistance.

Pico said a total of 17 families were affected, along with three sharers and one renter.

According to the latest information gathered by the BFP, 12 houses were destroyed, while one was damaged.

The damage is still estimated at P250,000./DGB, WDJ