74 homes, 1 business establishment destroyed in Catbalogan City fire

ORMOC CITY — At least 74 homes and a business establishment were destroyed by a fire in Barangay 6, Catbalogan City past midnight on Wednesday.

No casualties were reported.

Supt. Douglas Antonio Eloja, chief of Catbalogan City Police Office, said the blaze started at ABC De Pruta, an establishment owned by businessman Joey Lim Sy.

It quickly razed the nearby houses, many of which were made of light materials.

The establishment, Eloja said, was engaged in selling fruits and other merchandise.

He said the local government unit, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, has already distributed relief goods to the victims.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire. /ee