A state of calamity has been declared in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi following a massive fire that razed around 1,000 houses in Barangay Lamion evening on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The declaration was based on a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan on Wednesday, February 4.

Authorities said the initial damage to private properties was estimated at P17.5 million while public infrastructure sustained around P18 million in losses.

The resolution said at least 690 households were displaced by the fire.

The resolution added that the incident, which lasted nearly five hours, also disrupted social services, including education, as one elementary school was reduced to ashes completely.

Town officials said the neighboring barangays of Tubig-Mampallam and Tubig-Tanah were also affected.

The declaration allows the local government to utilize the Quick Response Fund (QRF) to address the immediate need of the families affected, tap other LGU sources, and seek external assistance to expedite the socio-economic recovery of residents affected.