Davao City mobilizes aid to fire-affected families of Barangay 23-C

The City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), has mobilized assistance and other resources for individuals affected by Monday’s 3 a.m. fire that hit Barangay 23-C, Mini Forest Boulevard.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declared the fire under control at 5:19 a.m. and fire out around 7:08 a.m. Monday.

The City Government has responded to the immediate needs of those affected through the mobilization of resources by the CSWDO on Monday morning; including the setting up of a mobile kitchen at the Barangay 23-C gym, which serves as the barangay’s evacuation area. The CSWDO is also currently conducting verification and tallying of the affected families, estimated at 500, for more assistance distribution.

CSWDO Head Atty. Marlisa Gallo told the City Information Office Monday aside from the hot meals being distributed to affected individuals, temporary shelters in the form of tents and sleeping mats are also being set up at the Barangay 23-C evacuation center.

SFO1 Juvil M. Padang of the BFP Sta. Ana Station, in an interview during the Madayaw Davao aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio Tuesday, confirmed that two casualties were recorded – that of 19 year-old Arham Osman, who perished while rescuing his sibling while Randy Sumalinog, a bed-ridden 46 year-old, died as his respiratory support shut down due to the blackout caused by the fire. Approximately 100 houses were razed; with damages estimated at P700,000.

According to the initial investigation report, Padang said the fire was caused by a mosquito coil which likely caused a nearby curtain to catch fire. Padang warned Dabawenyos of the improper use of mosquito coil, emphasizing the need to isolate the object from other materials, especially flammable ones. 

On top of this, Padang also reminded residents not to park their automobiles on the streets and to keep roadways open to allow the passage of fire trucks and rescue personnel during emergencies.

“Mao gyud na among concern didto. Dapat—in case of any emergency—ang mga residente, i-assure nila na ang kalsada is bakante para malikay ta sa mga paglangan sa pagresponde (That was our concern there. In case of any emergency, residents should make sure that the streets are vacant to avoid any delays in the emergency response),” Padan said.

The BFP continues to investigate the incident. CIO