A fire hit a residential area along Anda Street in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday, February 25, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The blaze was first reported at around 5:00 p.m. and was raised to the 4th alarm minutes later.

Firefighters battled the fire for more than six hours before it was declared fire out at around 11:30 p.m.

According to Brgy 655 Kagawad Genie Aglinao, the two victims were both senior citizen. One of them died due to nervousness. They were brought to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, authorities are still searching for another individual in the affected area, which remains hot due to lingering heat from the fire.

Another barangay official, Kagawad Antonio Villero, told DZRH that the incident may have been an act of arson. He alleged that a man set the house on fire using gasoline after discovering that his partner was having an affair.

The Manila Police District has taken custody of the suspect believed to be responsible for the fire.

The city government assured that affected residents would receive immediate assistance. According to Jay Reyes Dela Fuente, Director of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, the fire victims are temporarily staying at the Delpan Evacuation Center, where food and other aid continue to be distributed.