Sorsogon City:Five individuals lost their lives in a fire that erupted at the Sorsogon City Public Market late Saturday night, as confirmed by local authorities on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the fire, which began around 11 p.m., severely damaged the main market building. This included the sections for meat, poultry, seafood, and parts of the dry goods area, along with small eateries located on the second floor. The provincial and city governments have pledged to cover the burial costs for the victims, as stated by Salvador Mendoza, the Chief of the Sorsogon Provincial Information Office.

Government officials are planning meetings to discuss urgent support for affected vendors and businesses. Governor Edwin Hamor visited the fire site and instructed the Provincial Engineering Office to prepare a vacant lot along Sorsogon City Coastal Road for temporary stalls for the displaced vendors. Heavy machinery has been deployed to expedite the setup of a temporary marketplace, with additional equipment expected to further speed up the process.

In response to the tragedy, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol (DSWD-5) has provided relief and financial assistance to the families of the deceased. DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio activated the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to offer immediate financial and psychological support. Social workers have been visiting the bereaved families to deliver psychological first aid, and each family has received PHP10,000 in cash assistance to help with basic needs during the wake preparations. Additionally, funeral assistance is being arranged to aid with burial costs. The DSWD team also plans to visit hospitalized survivors to extend further psychosocial and financial support.