Death toll in Manila fire climbs up to 3

One of the firefighters who rushed to the rescue of at least 2,000 families in Manila whose houses were ravaged in a seven-hour fire has succumbed to suffocation, raising the death toll to three. Fire volunteer Jose Ponce Jr., who was rushed to the Metropolitan Hospital Thursday night, has passed away, a GMA News report on Friday said. Ponce's remains lie in Funeraria Lorenzo in Tondo, Manila. Two children were earlier reported to have perished in the fire: Wilben Mark Estrada, 3; and his brother Ric Madamo, 1.

The fire, which started 4:39 p.m. at the second floor of the house of one Susan Barrameda at 832 Oroquieta St., left at least 2,000 families or around 10,000 people homeless just two weeks before Christmas. A report by dzBB’s Roland Bola quoted arson investigators as estimating the damage to property at P10 million. The street across Recto LRT-2 station became an instant evacuation center for the residents who lost their homes. Over three blocks were closed to traffic as residents camped on the ground, carrying what little belongings they were able to save. “Simot lahat. Walang wala talaga (We lost everything)," said one of the victims. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and GMA Kapuso foundation have begun conducting relief operations Friday morning. Donations of blankets, clothing, toiletries, food, and other basic needs are needed. Over 50 fire trucks from Metro Manila municipalities responded to the general fire alarm, but not all were utilized as there was only one fire hydrant in the area. Authorities who are still investigating the origin of the fire said they are looking into faulty wiring as a possible cause. “Usually kasi dito, nagta-tap ng mga electricity, itong mga jumper na tinatawag," said a police officer interviewed on the scene for GMA News' Unang Balita. The fire affected three dormitories of the Manila City Jail. While no inmate was reported to have escaped, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology ordered increased patrols around the jail premises. - Carmela Lapeña/RSJ, GMANews.TV