Close to 700 individuals or more than a hundred families were affected by a fire that broke out in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City early Monday morning (Sept. 20).
Authorities said a mentally challenged former police personnel allegedly burned his house which affected nearby houses in the area. At least 125 houses or P1.5 million worth of property were destroyed in the incident.
“Hindi lang isang beses niya ginawa, kung hindi apat na beses talaga na kanyang ginawa na pagsunog niya sa kanyang bahay,” Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said.
The suspect is under the custody of Labangon Police Station pending the filing of charges. The state of calamity has been declared in the area.
“Nagpatawag ng emergency session si kapitan. So napagkasunduan namin sa calamity fund namin na nagset-aside tayo ng P500,000,” Brgy Councilor Renato Alburo said.
Meanwhile, several areas of the city were flooded due to heavy downpour. The city government said it is focusing on the implementation of flood control projects. – Report from John Aroa/AG-rir
