By CALVIN D. CORDOVA, with report from Lloyd Earl Sabequil
CEBU CITY – Two girls who suffered severe burns in the early morning fire that engulfed a number of houses in barangay Ermita here Monday, succumbed to their injuries a few hours apart yesterday, effectively raising the blaze death toll to four.
The deceased were identified as 12-year-old Jennelyn Digman and 7-year-old Princess May Chavez, sister and cousin, respectively, of the two other fatalities confirmed earlier namely, Mark Digman, 2; and Jovielyn Digman, 9, both of whom died while trapped inside their burning house in Sitio Kawit.
The fire started at around 5:46 a.m. in the house of the Digmans as supposedly caused by a faulty stove.
According to Nagiel Banacia, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office chief, the fire destroyed 262 houses, affecting 776 families or 2,639 Individuals.
Most of the survivors are now temporarily housed in the Barangay sports complex.
Sitio Kawit has since been placed under state of calamity.
The local Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) promised help for the victims.
“We will give them meals for three days. We will also give them P2,000 worth ‘Family Kit,’ which contains basic commodities like blankets, pails, banig, slippers, etc.,” said Lea Japson, DSWS head.
Japson added that those who lost their homes in the blaze are also entitled to P20,000 in assistance. “Sharers” and “renters,” on the other hand, will be given P5,000 each.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña said in a press conference yesterday he will give “tents” to the affected families.
“I’m personally giving 60 tents so that they won’t be exposed to inclement weather. Personal belongings can be kept there,” he said.
Osmeña added he will recommend that Sitio Kawit be re-blocked to accommodate wider roads that could easily be accessed during emergency cases.
Chief Insp. Noel Nelson Ababon, Fire Marshall of the Cebu City Fire Department, earlier complained narrow roads in the area prevented the firefighters from quickly containing the flames.