• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A state of calamity declaration is being eyed in Barangay 5 of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, which was hit by fire that displaced 106 families on Sept. 6.
The blaze destroyed 85 houses and partially damaged two others.
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Joe Recalex Alingasa said on Monday, Sept. 9, the declaration is needed to access funds for possible financial assistance to the affected families.
Some 328 individuals are now staying at the covered court of Barangay 4, where their basic needs such as food and non-food items are being provided by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Alingasa said that members of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are set to convene to declare the affected area under a state of calamity so that they can use their Quick Response Fund.
If it is not enough or substantial, they may seek the help of the city government through its CDRRMO, he added.
According to the investigation of the Bureau of Fire and Protection, the fire was triggered by an unattended lighted cigarette, Alingasa said.
Two of the suspects, who occupied the house where the fire started, immediately surrendered to police. Their companions are still at-large.
The area hit by the fire was reported as a drug haven, where selling of illegal drugs is allegedly rampant.
The area is a property of the Philippine National Bank being occupied by informal settlers. | GB
