A fire that hit a house in Barangay Matalava, Lingayen, Pangasinan killed a teacher and his wife, a nurse. The two were found later in an embrace amid what was left of their home.
The incident happened on September 14, 2024.
According to their relatives, how the remains of Ronaly and Weendy Repato were found made the loss even more painful.
"Ang sakit. Kahit sana nawala ‘yung bahay namin basta nabuhay ‘yung mag-asawa," Vilma de Guzman, Ronaly's mother, said.
The fire reportedly broke out while the couple was asleep, and witnesses claim they heard an explosion similar to the sound of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank exploding.
"May narinig akong pagsabog na parang LPG," Bernardo de Guzman, the victims’ uncle, said.
The Lingayen Fire Station is still investigating the cause of the fire, which lasted more than 30 minutes.
Despite efforts, firefighters were unable to save the couple.
"Mabilis pong natupok ‘yung second floor. Although in-attempt po ng ating mga bumbero na pasukin, hindi na po talaga kinaya," Fire Marshal Finsp. Neil Winston Navalta said.
Local authorities have already provided relief packs, family kits, and medicine to grieving relatives, while financial assistance is being processed.