Fire hits residential area in Parola, Manila; Air Force asked to help

A massive fire on Saturday engulfed multiple dwellings at the Parola compound in Binondo, prompting disaster management authorities in Manila City to seek assistance not just from firefighters in other cities but from the Philippine Air Force as well.

According to reports on Super Radyo dzBB and 24 Oras Weekend, the fire occurred at about 3 p.m. at Barangay 275.

The blaze spread quickly as most of the homes were made of light materials. It was escalated to Task Force Bravo at 4:10 p.m., then to Task Force Charlie at 5:15 p.m.

GMA News' Jamie Santos reported on 24 Oras Weekend that firefighters were having a hard time controlling the fire, while residents tried to salvage their personal belongings.

The affected area is on the coast of Manila Bay, complicating the response effort.

The Manila City government reported on a Facebook post that it was actively coordinating with the Philippine Air Force for a possible air-borne response.

It advised the public to stay away from the site.

PANOORIN: Makapal na usok na mula sa nasusunog na residential area sa Parola, Binondo, Manila ngayong hapon, May 23, 2026.

Ayon sa BFP, umabot na sa Task Force Bravo ang sunog as of 4:10 PM.

COURTESY: Fire and Rescue Alert Responders/Henry Liao

Bisitahin ang… pic.twitter.com/OgFbXaykji

— GMA News (@gmanews) May 23, 2026

— VDV, GMA News