Hundreds displaced by Boracay fire

AKLAN, Philippines – An estimated 500 to 600 people have been displaced by the fire that struck Boracay island, local authorities said on Thursday, June 18.

The fire razed an estimated 105 homes and establishments in Talipapa Bukid, Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Boracay on Wednesday, June 17.

Around 100 people were initially evacuated to the village covered court, where they are receiving assistance from the Philippine National Red Cross, the mayor’s office, and the village barangay council, according to Barangay Captain Abram Sualog.

Sualog said that as of noontime on Thursday, only 30 people remained at the evacuation center, as the rest have moved to the homes of friends and relatives.

Fire Inspector Stephen Jardeleza said that mopping up operations were conducted that morning to determine the cause of the fire.

The fire razed mostly boarding houses and stalls made of light and semi-light materials, and did not affect the resorts and hotels in the area.

The Boracay talipapa (public market) was destroyed by fire in 2004. It was then transferred to a hilly area in Sitio Manggayad, Manoc-Manoc, but was again razed by fire on June 17.

The place is commonly known as Talipapa Bukid. – Rappler.com