Masbate City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has extended relief assistance to families and individuals affected by a fire incident in the capital of Masbate province on Monday. In a report on Wednesday, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio said they mobilized its Disaster Response Management Division, in coordination with the Masbate Quick Response Team, to provide essential relief aid to the affected residents in Masbate City. The relief items that were distributed on Tuesday included family food packs and various non-food items such as hygiene kits, family kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and 10-meter laminated sacks, amounting to over PHP300,000. Laurio said the affected individuals have been assessed for their additional needs and will also receive financial aid through the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Fire Protection Masbate reported that the fire broke out at around 9:30 p.m. on April 14. Based on the initial report, the blaze destroyed three residential houses, two boarding houses, and two commercial establishments. A total of five families composed of 28 individuals, along with 36 student boarders, were displaced. As of posting time, authorities are still conducting clearing operations and further investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.

The DSWD-5 said it is also coordinating with the local government of Masbate and other national government agencies to ensure that other necessary support will be extended to the affected families and individuals.