A one-year-old girl died after she was trapped in a burning house while her five-year-old brother was injured after trying to save his sister in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Residents were alarmed after a fire engulfed the siblings’ house located in a 20-meter property in Barangay Poblacion Dos around 9 a.m.
Firefighters responded immediately and put out the fire after several minutes.
However, while authorities were inspecting the house, the family broke down after the baby was found dead near the door.
A fire investigator added that the child already reached the door but was blocked by a barrier installed to prevent her from going out and possibly falling.
“Actually, nasa pintuan na talaga yung bata kaso lang merong harang. Nilagyan nila ng harang para di siya makalabas, mahulog,” Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Deputy and Chief Investigator, SF03 Annie Salcedo, said.
BFP also said the child’s brother sustained burns while trying to rescue the victim but failed due to the weight of his sister.
“Tinanong ko yung kuya, gi-try daw niya kunin yung kapatid kaso di niya kinaya dahil sa sobra daw kabigat,” Salcedo added.
Authorities said the incident happened when the children’s grandmother, who was looking after them, went to the market at that time to buy milk.
When she returned, the house was already on fire.
Police reported that the grandmother was looking after the children while their father was working at the market and their mother was working abroad.
GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the family for a statement, as of this writing.
The Bangsamoro government has extended assistance to the family while authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Authorities reminded parents and guardians not to leave young children alone inside the house, as emergencies may happen unexpectedly.
“Yung mga nanay, mga parent huwag talaga nating iwan ang mga anak natin sa loob ng bahay na sila lang kasi hindi natin alam na may mangyayaring emergency,” Salcedo said.
