A massive fire destroyed around 45 houses in Barangay Matadero, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on Saturday, December 27, 2025, displacing at least 70 families just days before the New Year.

The fire broke out at around 3 p.m. and lasted for nearly two hours. Fire officials said the flames spread quickly because houses in the area were packed tightly and made mostly of light materials. Narrow roads also made it difficult for firefighters to reach the site.

Bureau of Fire Protection General Luna Sub-Station Team Leader, SFO1 Alvin Agaño, said the fire reached third alarm, prompting fire stations in towns nearby to send reinforcement.

“Inabot po siya ng third alarm kaya po nagrespondehan na po ‘yung mga katabing bayan,” he said.

“Congested siya kaya po mabilis ‘yung pagkalat, tapos ‘yung factors na rin po ‘yung lakas ng hangin, siguro ‘yung kainitan din po kanina, ganun,” he added.

Most of the families affected said they were unable to save any of their belongings. One of the victims, Jasmin Acantilado, said the fire spread too fast.

“Bigla po siyang lakas, hindi po malaman kung paano pong nangyari. At ‘yung apoy daw po kasi nung pagsabog, may nagbuhos na raw po ng tubig, hindi po naapula,” Acandilado said.

Survivors stayed at a church nearby while others sought shelter with relatives. Some families chose to remain at the barangay covered court.

Despite the loss, some residents said they will still try to welcome the New Year with hope.

“Hindi inaasahan, eh. Kahit papaano, magdidiwang pa rin, ipagdidiwang pa rin ‘yung New Year kahit ganito,”Christian Bautista, another fire victim, said.

Barangay officials confirmed that donations have started to arrive for the victims. Barangay Matadero Chairman Teodoro Serrano expressed gratitude for the help.

“Merong nagkawang-gawa ito, ipamigay daw sa mga nasunugan. Kaya lahat naman, kaya lubos din naman akong nagpapasalamat sa mga tumulong at sa mga tutulong pa. Hanggang kailangan namin ng tulong,” Serrano said.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the total amount of damage.