3 evacuation shelters accommodate Tondo fire victims

Manila: The city government of Manila has provided food and temporary shelter to at least 1,000 families affected by the fire that engulfed a residential area in Vitas, Tondo on Saturday. In a statement, Mayor Honey Lacuña said the affected residents are in three evacuation centers -- Barangay 106 covered court, Barangay 105 covered court and Vicente Lim Elementary School. "Agarang kumilos ang mga departamento ng city hall para tiyaking maayos ang kalagayan ng mga apektadong residente (Departments in the city hall swiftly moved to assist the affected residents)," she said in a statement. Lacuna assured food, temporary shelter and other basic needs will be provided for. 'Hindi namin pababayaan ang sinuman sa muling pagbangon mula sa hindi inaasahang pangyayaring ito (We will not leave you until you have recovered from this unexpected incident),' Lacuna added. Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo personally witnessed the disaster response of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer and the City Social Welfare and Development. Initial reports said tenement buildings Nos. 23 to 27 along Road 10 in Barangay 105 were razed by the fire that started around 11 a.m. The Bureau of Fire Protection raised Task Force Bravo at 1:33 p.m., which meant at least 28 fire trucks were needed. The Philippine Air Force 505th Search and Rescue Brigade also sent a chopper for Bambi Bucket operations. (Ferdinand G. Patinio/PNA) Source: Philippines News Agency