Blotter

Lapu fire victims to be relocated

At least 64 families who lost their homes in a fire last December 31 in barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City will be relocated.

But the victims complained that the lot at the relocation site is too expensive.

Virginia Estoba said they are not comfortable staying in the barangay’s covered court with other families.

She said her children are suffering from cough and fever because it was cold in the covered court and they also get wet whenever it rains.

She received housing materials from the barangay such as plywood, GI sheets and coconut lumber but Estoba said the family could not afford the price of the relocation lot in sitio Sugtunggan.

Barangay Captain Isabelito Darnayla said that a 3,000-square meter vacant lot owned by a developer agreed to sell the lot to the victims at P1,500 per square meter payable within a year.

“This is good because they can own the lot,” Darnayla said.

Darnayla said the price can still be negotiated so that the terms are affordable for the fire victims.

He added that they will finalize the contract within the month. /Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla

Electrocuted in bath tub

A 58-year-old businesswoman was electrocuted while taking a shower in barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City Sunday afternoon.

Ruby Libarios was rushed to Mactan Doctors Hospital after she was found unresponsive and soaked in water in her bath tub.

She was declared dead at the hospital.

Her helper, Manilyn Amarille, earlier knocked on the door of the room to ask what dish to cook for lunch but no one responded.

She opened the door and checked the bathroom found Libarios lying in the bath tub.

Amarille then called the victim’s husband, Louie, for help. When he touched his wife, he also felt an electric shock.

Libarios had burns in her hands.

Her husband said he suspects his wife got electrocuted by the shower heater.

Police are conducting further investigation into the woman’s death. /CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA