600 families left homeless after Intramuros fire

A fire hit a residential area in Barangay 655 in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday afternoon, affecting at least 600 families.

According to Jamie Santos’ report on “Saksi” on Wednesday night, the blaze at the corner of Cabildo and Anda Streets in Intramuros reached the fourth alarm.

Some residents were unable to save their belongings as they opt to immediately flee their homes. Firefighters also had difficulty putting out the fire because of the narrow streets.

A man who allegedly started the fire was mauled by some residents.

Johnny Yacub, captain of Barangay 655, said some residents allegedly witnessed the man starting the fire.

GMA Integrated News is reaching out to the man for his comment. The man is under the custody of the Manila Police District (MPD).

The fire was first reported at 4:48 p.m. Wednesday and reached the fourth alarm at around 5:28 p.m. Firefighters eventually put out the blaze at around 11:30 p.m.

In a Facebook post, the Bahay Tsinoy Museum said it will be closed on Thursday for inspection and cleaning following the fire.

The residential area that burned down was behind the museum.

Meanwhile, the San Agustin Church distributed hot meals to the affected residents. It also called for donations such as food, water, clothes, hygiene items, blankets, tents, and mats for the affected families. — Sherylin Untalan and Mariel Celine Serquiña/JMA, GMA Integrated News