3 killed in Tondo fire

MANILA, Philippines – Two women and a girl were killed when they were trapped in a burning house in Gate 1 Parola compound in Tondo, Manila, Tuesday afternoon, a fire investigator said.

Superintendent Leo Carta, head of the Manila fire department, identified the fatalities as Hederita Beldor, 42, Annabelle Cuna, 22, and Teresa Franco, 2-years old.

Carta said the victims were trapped on the third floor of a burning house made of light materials.

“Sunog na yung ibaba ng bahay, hindi rin sila nakalabas (the lower floor has been gutted, they cannot escape),’’ Carta said.

The fire official said at least 200 families were displaced in the fire that started at around 2:32 p.m. and contained two hours later at 5:32 p.m.

The damage to property was estimated to reach P5 million. Nancy Carvajal