• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City Fire Station has clarified that Megaworld did not prevent its firetrucks from entering the property, to respond to the midnight fire in Purok Cheriza, Barangay 27 Sept. 12.
“On the contrary, Megaworld allowed our units to access and preposition inside their property, which enabled our firefighters to conduct firefighting operations more effectively,” the Bureau of Fire Protection-Bacolod City Fire Station (BFP-BCFS) said in a statement last night.
“We fully understand the grief and frustration brought by the tragedy, and we respect the statements made by the affected families as part of their expression of loss and pain,” the office said, but stressed that Megaworld’s assistance “contributed to our response efforts, and we acknowledge the importance of such coordination in protecting lives and property.”
The BFP-BCFS also assured that it remains committed to its mandate of safeguarding the community, and will continue to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to prevent and respond to emergencies.
The structural fire that occurred around 12:09 a.m. yesterday left homeless 314 families, or 964 individuals, with P4.5 million in initial damage, as of the 4 p.m. situation report of the Bacolod Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).
The conflagration that reached third alarm status before a fire out was declared at 3:10 a.m. by city fire marshal, F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, destroyed 234 houses, with the affected residents now staying at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School.
The city, through the DRRMO, immediately provided them food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, as well as modular tents, among others, even as donations have started arriving from neighboring LGUs, individuals, and organizations.
Donation drives from concerned schools and groups have also started for the fire victims.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who rushed to the site while firefighters were battling the blaze, together with other city officials and some councilors, said “we will do everything that we can to ease their burden and help them hold on to hope, even just a bit.”
“It pains us to see our people like this. We stand with you. You will not face this tragedy alone, Barangay 27,” the mayor stressed in a statement. “Our courage and resilience are greater than any flame. You have us and an entire city that cares – ready to help you start again, and to walk this road to recovery with you.” | CGC
