A 42-year-old businessman was burned to death after a fire razed several establishments at a market in Norala, South Cotabato dawn on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

The fire broke out past 1 a.m. and was declared fire out after nearly an hour.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), around 10 shops were affected, including a grocery store, a barbershop, a pharmacy, among others.

The cost of damage was estimated at P7.8 million.

During the incident, a businessman died, who was initially believed to have already escaped.

“Sad to say, may fatality tayo na isa, according sa mga nakilala, may nakakita na nasa labas siya, but upon overhauling, may na-discover kaming isang patay doon. Isa siya sa mga stall owner,” BFP-12 Norala Acting Municipal Fire Marshal, SFO4 Ronald Navares, said.

The local government has already provided assistance to the stall owners affected.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

ZAMBOANGA FIRE

Meanwhile, a house near the sea was gutted by fire in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Residents helped put out the fire until firefighters arrived. The fire was extinguished fully after a few hours.

BFP Sirawai said the fire started on the second floor of the house, where the door was padlocked.

“Nakita ng may-ari kasi nag-umpisa yung sunog sa taas na palapag sa room ng kapatid niya. Naka-padlock kasi umalis yung kapatid niya noong January 5 papuntang Zamboanga City parang mag-aral ata,” Municipal Fire Marshal, SFO1 Neygee Angilog, said.

The fire may have been caused by electrical problem, based on initial investigation.

“Ang initial na finding, baka overloaded kasi lahat ng bahay dito sa area kung saan may sunog is series yung connection ng electricity nila,” Angilog added.

The cost of damaged reached around P121,000.

No one was hurt in the incident.