Residents of Zone Talong, Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, were left in shock after a massive fire broke out, reaching the fourth alarm on Monday night.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly four hours before declaring it out.
The first alarm was raised at 7:45 p.m., and by 8:04 p.m., authorities had escalated it to the fourth alarm.
Initial reports indicate that around 200 homes were destroyed, with damages estimated at approximately P3 million.
Displaced families have been relocated to Bamo Gym in Barangay Paknaan, where they are being assessed for immediate assistance.
Victims, many in tears, could only salvage a few belongings, while others expressed relief that they escaped unharmed.
In a separate incident, a motorcyclist was killed after being run over by a responding fire truck in Barangay Cambaro.
The victim was identified as 23-year-old Juan Paulo Mindo, a resident of Barangay Kalawisan, Lapu-Lapu City.
Dashcam footage captured the tragic accident, where the fire truck’s sirens were audible from a distance.
Two other motorcyclists managed to evade the truck, but Mindo was unable to and collided with the vehicle.
Despite efforts to save him, he was rushed to Mandaue City Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.