A fire destroyed a total of 150 houses in Rizal Street, Barangay 7, Roxas City in Capiz Province and killed two senior citizens who were trapped reportedly in their houses.

Anita Villaruz, 66 years old, already bedridden, was reportedly alone in her house when the fire broke out.

“Wala syang kasama sa bahay kasi ang aking nakatatandang kapatid ay nagmamaneho ng traysikel. Ang isa, nandoon sa paaralan,” a son of the victim identified as Alexander Villaruz told the news team.  

The other victim was identified as Nestor Clarito, 68 years old.

His sister, Nida, said that Nestor went back inside the house despite the blaze to get his things. He failed to get out of the house reportedly because of the toxic fumes.

“Nagkahiwalay na kami. Pumunta ako sa pader kasi tinatawag ako ng mga tao na dalian ko na kasi nandyan na ang apoy. Binalikan pa nya. Siguro na-trap sya,” Nida said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection in Roxas City, the fire on February 27, 2024 left approximately P1.5 million in damages.

Firefighting, according to responders, took about an hour because of challenges posed by the gusts of wind, the hot weather, and narrow roads leading to the affected area.

“Ang mahirap na part ay dikit-dikit ang mga bahay. Ang ibang fire volunteers nga nahirapan. Mahirap i-penetrate ngunit because sa perseverance, naapula yung apoy,” SFO1 Junemar Galvez, public information officer of Roxas City Fire Station said.

Affected families sought temporary shelter at the Rufina Andrada Santos Memorial School.

One of affected persons named Ramon Adagao said it is hard to believe that all things he put up for years were reduced to cinders in an hour.

“Syempre, nanghihinayang ka sa ginastos mo. Tapos ang trabaho mo lang naman tricycle driver. Nakapundar ka na sana, ngayon biglang nasunog lang,” Adagao expressed.

As of posting time, fire investigators are yet to determine the cause of the fire.