Three people died when a fire hit an area in Barangay Salvacion Habog-Habog in Molo, Iloilo City dawn on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

The fatalities were a 65-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, and a 10-year-old girl. They were trapped inside their house where the fire reportedly started.

“Damo man da pumuluyo sa kaiping nga mga pamalay nga nakakita nga dira gid mismo sa ila balay naghalin ang kalayo,” says Nelson Muñoz, the barangay captain.

Sixty-six other houses were razed while four were damaged. Up to 70 families were displaced.

The fire broke out at 4:30 a.m. and was placed under control by 7 a.m.

Even as firefighters declared fire out, residents in the area continued to pour water on the flame to make sure it won’t rekindle.

The families affected have taken shelter at the Baluarte Elementary School. They are asking for help, particularly food and household items.

Damage to property is pegged at P6 million.

As of this posting, investigation is ongoing to determine the cause.