Mother, 2 daughters killed in fire in Zamboanga Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three persons – including a toddler – were killed when a fire of still unknown origin broke out early Tuesday in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the Bureau of Fire there said.

Supt. Benjamin Avengoza, Ipil Fire Marshal, identified the victims as Blesilda Laysob Obeda, a businesswoman and a widow, and her two daughters, Joan, 14, and Jane, one year old.

He said the fire engulfed and razed the Obeda house and two other houses on Purok Amelita in Barangay Ipil Heights around 2:50 a.m.

A fire out was declared at 3:58 a.m., Avengoza said.

He said the bodies of the three victims were recovered during a post-incident investigation.

“Investigation is still ongoing to determine what caused the fire. Neighboring witnesses claimed the fire emanated from the house of Obeda. So far, we placed the damage to P1.1 million,” Avengoza said.  SFM/AC