1 dead, 1 missing, 2 hurt in predawn fire in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A 40-year-old man died while his 11-year-old son remained missing even as hundreds of residents lost their homes in a predawn fire that hit 100 houses in Manila's Binondo district. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that firefighters found the body of the man, whom relatives earlier identified as Jimmy Yu, in the wreckage of their two-story house. Still missing as of 7:45 a.m. was his 11-year-old son Jimmy Boy, 11. On the other hand, a separate report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo said a firefighter was injured while battling the blaze. The fire started at 1:54 a.m. at 417 M. De Santos St. in Barangay (village) 270 Zone 28, at a two-story housing unit owned by Tony Yu. Injured in the incident were Arlene Yu, 30, who suffered second-degree burns in face; and in-law Julio Yu, 42, who was injured in the foot. She said she had helped Jimmy get out of their house but Jimmy went back for their son and failed to come out. The fire, which affected at least two nearby buildings, reached the fifth alarm. Arson investigators suspect an electrical short circuit may have started the fire. Firefighters had a hard time getting to the area as residents tried to save their belongings while other bystanders crowded the streets to watch the fire. - GMANews.TV