TWENTY houses were destroyed in a fast-moving fire that swept through Purok 2, Barangay Cabug, Medina, Misamis Oriental, on Tuesday afternoon, leaving 22 families with no homes to return to.


The fire broke out at around 3:47 p.m., quickly spreading through houses made mostly of light materials.


Barangay Chairperson Ervin Baldivino said 105 people were affected, including 20 children, eight senior citizens, and one pregnant woman.


The displaced families are temporarily staying at the Barangay Hall and Covered Court while awaiting further assistance.


The Municipal Government of Medina, led by Mayor Marianne Ellorin-Chan, immediately provided financial aid, while the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office distributed food packs, clothing, kitchen utensils, and other relief items.


Baldivino, however, appealed for more public support, saying the victims urgently need food, drinking water, and construction materials to help them recover and rebuild their homes.


SFO2 Johan Rana, deputy fire marshal for operations and fire investigation at the Medina Fire Station, said firefighters received the alarm from the Philippine National Police at 4:01 p.m.

 

Crews arrived within four minutes despite the nearly two-kilometer distance and declared the fire under control by 4:35 p.m.


Rana said strong winds and intense afternoon heat fueled the blaze, allowing it to spread rapidly through the community.


Initial findings show the fire affected about 70 households. While 20 houses were destroyed, firefighters prevented the flames from reaching about 50 other homes.


Resident Juanito C. Bustamante, 45, said the fire had already spread extensively before firefighters arrived, while Adelaida Anggot, 62, recalled neighbors trying to extinguish the flames at the house where the fire reportedly began. Her home sustained partial damage.


Fire investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze, although initial reports indicate it started at the house of Bobby Tampus.


The fire damaged an estimated 350 square meters of residential area, with initial property losses pegged at ₱875,000.


No injuries or fatalities were reported.