More than 200 families were displaced after a fire razed their houses in Barangay Ilang, Davao City, dawn on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The fire broke out in a coastal area of KM 17, Vista Mar, Muslim Village at past 2 a.m. and was raised to third alarm.

However, access through the narrow road made it difficult for firefighters to control and contain the fire.

The fire was put out after four hours.

“Pagpasok ko dito wala na ang mga bata ‘yung anak ko. Pagtingin ko doon sa dagat andoon  na sa dagat kinuha ko na sila,” a resident affected, Ustad Sahid Hasnan Sakili, said.

The sea was reportedly the only quick escape route for residents affected by the fire.

“Nagtataranta na kasi kam , yung iba lumalangoy  kasi 2 am nagstart yun tulog lahat…yung kawawa yung mga bata nadadala sa dagat lumalangoy,” another resident affected, Jahima Jimlani, added.

Based on initial data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City, around 120 houses were affected.

The residents affected are taking shelter temporarily at an evacuation center in the barangay.

Investigators are looking into an unattended candle as possible cause of the fire.

“Matud pa nila brownout daw tu nga time  mao tung nagkandila , siguro ang kandila naupos  unya ang gipatungan plastic seguro unya kahoy ba  mao tung nahitabo ang sunog,” Barangay Ilang Chairman Walter Hugo said.

BFP is still investigating the incident and determining the cost of damage.

Meanwhile, residents affected are appealing for assistance.

Sa mga kakilala ko po sa gobyerno himihinhi po kame ng tulong . ayuda kasi marami po kameng bata ditoo mga newborn  pa  , wala talaga kame nasalba,” a resident affected, Nursandra Andan, said.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)