A huge fire engulfed several homes and business establishments in Bontoc, Mountain Province on the morning of Tuesday, April 11, affecting over 18 families or about 87 individuals.
According to the Mountain Province Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MPDRRMO), the blaze started in the center of the capital town of the province at around 2:00 AM on Tuesday. It was declared fire out at 7:20 AM.
Following the incident, Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr., immediately issued Executive Order No.18-2023 declaring the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private schools, to ensure the health and safety of the students.
Aside from the 18 families, who are currently seeking shelter in the All Saints Mission Evacuation Center, nine student boarders were also affected and have been transferred to Betwagan, Sadanga.
The PDRRMC has already distributed family aids such as food packs and hygiene kits to those families affected.
No one was reported killed, injured, or missing in the fire.
As of this writing, the Bureau of Fire and Protection-Mt. Province has yet to release a statement on the cause of the fire and the extent of property damage, as the investigation is underway.
