A fire which hit past noontime on December 12, 2023 in Minglanilla town, Cebu Province razed the Municipal Trial Court and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

The fire destroyed the Rural Health Unit, Tourism Office, e-Learning Center and Local Youth Development Office, Purok Office, Office of the Senior Citizens, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Post Office; while the Department of the Interior and Local Government office sustained damage, according to an official statement of Mayor Rajiv Enad on his social media page.

“Today is a tragic day for Minglanilla. Just a few days before Christmas, we lost some of our offices…,” the mayor said.

Eleven people were injured, including Court personnel who are now being treated at different hospitals.

Initial gathered information disclosed that the fire was “premeditated and deliberately set off inside the Municipal Trial Court."

About noontime on December 12, 2023, a traffic personnel saw smoke reportedly at the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) located at the second floor of the building. He rushed to help but had to break open the main door at the first floor of the building as this was said to be locked.

When the personnel reached the second floor, the MTCC door was also locked. When he kicked it open, an injured court personnel fell reportedly in front of him. “

"We are disheartened. But we are Minglanilla and we are resilient. We shall overcome this and move forward as we always do. Please bear with us as we make adjustments to our daily services considering we lost some of our offices,” Mayor Enad further stated.