Fire hits Binondo; power transformers explode near Palace

(Updated 9:49 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines - A fire of still undetermined origin hit a commercial area in Manila's Binondo district early Monday morning, but responding firemen quickly put it out. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that the fire started at the corner of Madrid and San Fernando Streets and had reached the second alarm. No one was initially reported injured in the fire, which occurred at the back of an auto supply shop. Firefighters placed the fire under control in nine minutes, the report said. Meanwhile, three exploding electric transformers caused tension at an area along Concepcion Aguila Street in San Miguel, near the Malacañang Palace complex especially since the explosions came amid heightened security in time for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA). Initial investigation by responding Manila police showed the transformer lines got snagged with a passing garbage truck. No one was reported injured in the incident. - GMANews.TV