1 week ago
5
ILOILO CITY — A married couple and their seven-year-old daughter were killed in a fire that engulfed their home in Barangay Infante, Molo, in this city early Saturday morning, March 8.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) identified the victims as Julius and Louelyn Reyes, both teachers, and their daughter, Amber Marie Reyes.
Firefighters discovered their bodies on the second floor of their residence. The victims' home, made of light materials, allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
The BFP said the father was found lying down, while the mother located was near their daughter, seemingly embracing her in a final attempt to protect her.
Authorities believe the victims were unable to escape due to a steel matting on the windows of the upper floor.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The victims' remains have been taken to a funeral home and investigations are ongoing to determine the fire's cause.
The blaze reportedly started at around 4:30 a.m. and was declared out at 5:25 a.m.
The fire completely destroyed two houses and partially damaged another. The other affected families have been evacuated to the barangay chapel.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas has urged households to ensure that their electrical connections are safe and secured, especially amid high temperatures that can increase the risk of fire.
"I call on households to get their electrical connections checked, especially those that are already old and antique [...] Let us just make sure that our houses are safe and let us all remain vigilant," he said.
