MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo condoled with the families of the 16 persons who perished in the fire that broke out in a two-story boarding house in Bacolod City past midnight Monday.

“The President is extending her deepest sympathies and condolences to the families who died in Bacolod City,” deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in his weekly Palace briefing aired live over government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

The President has ordered immediate assistance to the victims through the local government unit. Golez said that the city disaster coordinating council has convened to provide help to the victims.

Witnesses said the fire began from the boarding house where bodies were found beneath the rubble after the building caved in, said Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who was at the scene of the fire as it raged.

Many of the dead were clutching each other. They were charred beyond recognition, said on-scene fireman Fire Officer 3 Cornelio Silva, according to an Inquirer report.