2 sisters killed in San Mateo, Rizal fire

Two sisters were killed after a fire hit several houses in Barangay Mandalay, San Mateo on Monday morning.

According to EJ Gomez’s report on “Balitanghali” on Tuesday, firefighters had difficulty responding due to the narrow alleyways leading to the affected compound.

“Maliliit po talaga yung mga eskinita and then tabi-tabi po yung bahay. Pagdating po natin, talagang tupok na tupok na po at napakalaki daw po ng apoy," said F/Insp. Rochelle Claudette Bartolome, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) San Mateo acting municipal fire marshal

(The alleyways are very narrow and the houses are closely packed. When we arrived, the structures were already completely gutted and the fire was reportedly very large.)

"Sa tapat po ng compound na nasusunog, doon po tayo pumwesto para mag-conduct ng fire suppression activity,” she added.

(We positioned ourselves in front of the burning compound to conduct fire suppression operations.)

The fire, which allegedly started from welding activity during house repairs, quickly spread to at least six homes, according to the barangay captain.

“Ito po ay nagsimula sa pagwe-welding po ng bahay, dahil nagre-repair po. Tumalsik po yung mga baga sa baba, tinamaan yung mga kama,” said Orly Cruz.

(It started from welding work in a house under repair. The sparks fell and hit the beds.)

The fire also reportedly reached electrical wiring, further fueling the blaze.

The barangay said 10 families, or more than 50 individuals, were affected. They are currently taking temporary shelter at the Barangay Mandalay basketball court.

The Gangan family not only lost their home but also two members of the family. The fatalities were sisters aged 7 and 19.

“Pagbaba ko, bitbit ko yung dalawang anak. Hindi ko napansin na wala na sila sa tabi ko. Paglabas ko, ayun po nagsisigaw ako sa labas na nandoon yung kapatid ko… Masakit kasi dalawang buhay yung nawala,” said Jessica Gangan, sister of the victims.

(When I went downstairs, I was carrying two of the children. I didn’t notice that they were no longer beside me. When I got out, I was shouting that my sisters were still inside… It's painful because two lives were lost.)

The BFP said the sisters were trapped inside their burning home and were later found beneath the debris.

“Hindi ko po tinignan. Kasi kapag nakita ko, mababago yung memory ko sa kanila. Sobrang sakit kasi wala kami nun," said Herbert Gangan, father of the victims.

(I didn’t look. Because if I did, it would change my memory of them. It hurts so much because we weren’t there.)

"Pasensya na sa kanila. Bilang tatay nila, hindi ko sila nailigtas,” he added.

(I’m sorry to them. As their father, I wasn’t able to save them.)

The BFP estimated fire damage at over P400,000. Investigation is ongoing.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News