In a devastating incident on Tuesday, December 20, 2023, or five (5) days before Christmas, a fierce blaze ravaged a residential area on Capulong Street in Tondo, Manila, forcing 1,000 families to evacuate. The valiant efforts of Fire Officer 1 Philip Chua were notable, as he sustained minor injuries, including lacerations, while battling the flames.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region (BFP-NCR), the fire erupted around 9:00 PM, swiftly engulfing approximately 200 houses. By 11:02 PM, the intensity escalated to a 5th alarm, prompting the deployment of 20 firetrucks to the scene to combat the inferno.

After hours of relentless effort, the fire was successfully extinguished by 2:07 AM on Wednesday. The estimated cost of damages, as reported by BFP-NCR, amounts to P1.5 Million.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the wake of such disasters.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/IAmigo/MNM)

MANILA — A devastating fire erupted at Happyland in Tondo, this city on Tuesday (December 12, 2023), resulting in the displacement of 250 families and causing injuries to two individuals, as reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The injured parties were identified as 16-year-old Jessie Diestro and 21-year-old Christian Gracio, the latter being a fire volunteer. Fortunately, both victims sustained only minor injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

The blaze engulfed over 100 houses, prompting the temporary relocation of the affected families to a covered court in Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila. The fire escalated to Task Force Alpha at 4:16 AM, but by 6:23 AM, the situation was brought under control. The flames were successfully extinguished by 6:57 AM.

Our thoughts are with the affected families during this challenging time.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

A total of twelve families, residing in makeshift shanties along the breakwaters of Manila Bay in Tondo, Manila, were left homeless due to the destructive forces of strong winds and waves, as reported by the local authorities over the weekend.

According to the Delpan Police Station 12, a division of the Manila Police District (MPD), the incident occurred around 5 a.m. The shanties located near Isla Bungad and Isla Puting Bato in Barangay 20, Tondo, Manila, tragically collapsed under the relentless assault of nature’s fury. An initial investigation by the police revealed that these shanties were constructed using inexpensive and lightweight materials.

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) was quick to respond, with their personnel swiftly rescuing the affected families who had lost their homes. These displaced residents were temporarily accommodated at the Delpan Evacuation Center.

In a commendable show of support, the local government of Manila promptly provided food and assured further assistance for the affected families during this challenging time.

[Report and photography by Benjie Cuaresma/MPD/ai/mnm]