At least 9 killed in Navotas City fire

(Updated 8:50 a.m.) At least nine people were killed while at least one more was feared dead in a fire that hit a residential area near a school in Navotas City Saturday night. Radio dzBB’s Glen Juego reported Sunday the fire also razed at least 100 houses near the San Roque National High School in San Roque village. Navotas City social welfare head Pat Agcaoili cited initial reports identifying five of the fatalities as Dritz and Carlos Blancaflor; and William, James, and Jennifer Agarin. Fire Officer 3 Domingo Gastilo of the Navotas Fire Department cited information reaching him identifying the other fatalities as Natalia Angela Salonga, Harvey Agarin, and one Remedios Ortillana, who allegedly died of a heart attack. Still missing was a three-year-old child, the dzBB report said. The affected families were evacuated to the San Roque National High School, a nearby basketball complex, and a nearby chapel. Arson investigators initially estimated the damage to property at P5 million. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Twitter account said the fire started past 11 p.m. Saturday and reached Task Force Alpha, and was placed under control at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. It said the fire was declared “out" at 4:45 a.m. — LBG, GMANews.TV