Two children died in a fire in Tagbilaran City, Province of Bohol, while their father is in critical condition.

The children and their father were trapped in a fire that broke out in Barangay Manga on August 14, 2024.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) -Tagbilaran City, the casualties were identified to be a three-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. Their bodies were found hugging each other.

Their father sustained burns on the face. He was rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Medical Center. As of posting time, he is reported to be in critical condition.

Based on initial investigation, the fire started at 8:10 p.m. on August 14, 2024. The fire was controlled at 8:15 p.m. and put out by 8:30 p.m.

Their house is reported to have no electric power connection, thus the family used a kerosene lamp. But the lamp fell reportedly from where it was placed and caused the spread of flames.

The flames quickly engulfed the house made of light materials, and spread to two neighboring houses also made of light materials.

“Kini siya kandila, lampara, open flame, kini atong gitawag nga delikado gyud kay lagi dali ra makadakop labi na sa mga light material like kurtina, kahoy, papel or bisan mga sinina, dali ni siya makadakop. So, ato ning bantayan kung mahimong butangan og cover. At the same time, mugamit tag gasera kanang dili highly combustible,” Fire Chief Inspector Matt Reil Pono, Tagbilaran City fire marshal, said.

As for Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, the city government vows to assist the family. 

It was found out that the mother of the children is in Manila working as househelp.

The city government will help shoulder the mother's fare bound for Bohol, according to Yap.

“Unya kadto pong gastuhon sa ospital  sa papa ato pud ipahiluna. Ug kadtong pagpauli sa ilang mama. Ilang mama naa karun nagpa-maid sa Manila so kita sab ang moplete. Ang atong staff nakig-coordinate na karun sa mama, atong i-process nga makauli na siya first thing tomorrow,” Yap said.

The mayor emphasized that the quick response stemmed from the city government’s effort to purchase modern tools equipped with smart technology in line with emergency response.

“Ato lang pud i-emphasize noh, paspas ang atong rescue sa atong fire marshal. Aside from that, ang atong equipment makita nato gamit ta og modern technology in terms of rescue services. Ari nato matestingan ang kaabtik sa atong katawhan ilabina sa atong men and women in uniform,” Yap added.

(via Leo Udtohan, Albert Aballe/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)