Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
by Miriam G.Desacada
Tacloban City–A devastating fire broke out on Wednesday evening, October 1, in Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City, Samar, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old government worker and leaving more than 200 residents without homes.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), report to Samar PNP provincial Office, the fire started around 5:30 p.m. coinciding the power restoration after the power shut down due to 6.9 magnitude eqrthquakein, Purok 3 due to faulty electrical wiring that ignited the roof of a house owned by Rizalda Magallanes. The blaze quickly spread to nearby residences, fueled by the light materials used in their construction.
Firefighters from the Catbalogan City Fire Station, assisted by fire volunteers, police personnel, and reinforcements from neighboring towns, battled the flames for nearly four hours. The incident was raised to second alarm and was declared under control at 7:20 p.m. and fully extinguished at around 9:23 p.m.
The victim, Reynold Muñez, an employee of the Samar provincial capitol, tragically lost his life while trying to rescue his son, not knowing that his family had already evacuated the premises. Muñez’s body was recovered after the fire was brought under control.
Maritess, a resident of Brgy.Canlapwas described the heartbreaking scene, saying that Reynold Muñez had just arrived home from work when he rushed into his burning house, unaware that his family had already evacuated. The resident recounted that Muñez suddenly appeared and entered the house, which was already engulfed in flames
This poignant account highlights the tragic circumstances surrounding Muñez’s death, as he sacrificed his life in a desperate attempt to save his loved ones, only to find that they had already escaped the inferno.
” Akala kasi ng biktima ay umalis ang asawa niya at may binili lang, kaya dali-dali sya pumasok sa loob ng bahay na nag-aapoy na dahil sa sunog, kaya ayon nasofocate sya. Maritess said.
The BFP reported that the fire destroyed 23 houses and partially damaged three others, affecting 58 families or approximately 208 individuals. The estimated property damage is around P2 million.
The affected families are currently taking shelter at a local church and the barangay hall.
While Catbalogan City government, led by Mayor Dexter Uy, immediately provided relief assistance to the fire victims .
Data showed that this was the fourth fire that broke out this year in Catbalogan capital of Samar.
