By CESAR JOLITO III
A 79-year-old woman died after reportedly letting her husband escape a residential fire that razed several homes at Purok Maanyag 2 in Bacolod City’s Barangay Alijis on Tuesday night, May 6.
Rosa Magbanua allowed her husband, 62-year-old Jose Magbanua, to get out while their house was burning, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.
Jose sustained first-degree burns to his back and is now in stable condition, deputy fire marshall Fire Inspector Jemarie Tapiru said.
The couple was already asleep when the fire reached their house at 10:04 p.m.
Tapiru said Jose woke up seeing smoke and flames near their room.
Jose carried his wife and tried to escape through the fence.
However, Rosa told her husband to save himself and leave her behind.
Meanwhile, the fire prompted the immediate dispatch of several fire trucks.
Firefighters declared the blaze under control at 10:17 p.m. before it was fully extinguished at 10:21 p.m.
Initial investigation by the BFP showed the fire gutted six houses — four houses destroyed and two damaged.
Around 15 individuals from six families were affected.
The fire covered an estimated area of 140 square meters and caused approximately P35,000 in damage.
Tapiru said the fire originated from the variety store owned by Maria Theresa Bragasa through an electrical ignition.
The fire quickly spread to other houses made of light and concrete materials.
In a statement, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya described the incident as a “profound tragedy,” noting that the elderly woman’s final act was ensuring her husband reached safety before she succumbed to the blaze.
“We extend our sincerest sympathies to the victims, especially to the bereaved family, and assure them that the city stands ready to provide necessary support during this period of grief and recovery,” Gasataya said.
Gasataya also urged residents to remain vigilant in protecting their homes and families from fire incidents.
“Maghalong kita, Bacolod. May we remain vigilant in keeping our homes and our families safe,” he said./CJ, WDJ