A 10-year-old boy died in a fire that hit three houses in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City dawn on June 4, 2024.

Authorities identified the child as Nathan Jade Villamor. He was supposed to be in Grade 5 in the next school year.

The fire reportedly started at the boy’s house where he was deep asleep.

Investigators learned that the boy’s mother was not at home when the fire broke out. His grandmother also reportedly went to the market early.

The incident left the grandmother devastated as Villamor has since been her companion.

Amy Patigayon, another resident who lost her house to the fire, said they woke up to their house already ablaze so the first thing they did was to save themselves.

As of this writing, authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The spokesperson of the Cebu City Fire Office also said they are looking into the possibility that a candle left unattended may have started it.

They learned that the boy’s house did not have electricity and they were only using a solar lamp.

Authorities pegged the damage to property at P300,000.

The barangay has provided aid to the 13 individuals displaced, including their temporary shelter.