Talisay fire victims to undergo trauma debriefing, recieve aid

Victims of the fire that hit a Talisay City neighborhood Monday night will undergo psycho-social debriefing to help them recover from the trauma.

Felipa “Beth” Solana, head of the City Social Welfare and Development office, said they would give special attention to 3-year-old Mark Anthony, whose twin brother Mark Lester perished in the fire. They will also look look into the needs of Rhea Tisoy, the 9-year-old girl who saved her 1-year-old brother from the inferno.

The Talisay city government distributed food and relief goods to the fire victims.

The fire in sitio Hawod, barangay Bulacao destroyed five houses and started the house of a family that makes wooden Sto. Niño icons for a living.

Fire investigators are looking into a report that the twin boys were playing with matches in a room where flammable materials like thinner and paint were stored.

Solana said burial assistance will be given to the Tisoy family..

SFO2 Felipe Abarquez, Talisay City fire investigator said they are finalizing their recommendation for the girl who saved her brother so she can be given a formal commendation by the Talisay City Council for her bravery and quick action.

The fire, which broke out at 11:10 p.m., lasted 15 minutes and destroyed five houses.

Damage to property was estimated at P175,000. /Correspondent Gabriel C. Bonjoc