12/09/2025
NEWS UPDATE: Over 200 families lost their houses to a fire in Barangay 27, Bacolod City past 12 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod City responded immediately to the emergency.
Several residents were seen in a video trying to save their belongings, while others tried helping the firefighters put out the blaze.
However, the fire continued to spread quickly.
“Kahit walang dala, ang mahalaga, nailigtas ang pamilya. May mga tao sa labas na sumigaw, may kumatok sa aming pintuan, sinabi na may sunog raw,” Chari Cordova, one of affected residents, said.
"Inuna ko lang ang aking pamilya kasi tulog silang lahat. Salamat sa Diyos at walang nangyari sa amin,” Kim, another resident who was displaced by the fire, said.
Based on BFP record, the fire struck at least 216 houses. At least 180 of which were totally gutted.
Illegal connection of electrical line is seen as a possible cause of the fire.
“Before ng sunog, may narinig raw silang nag-aaway na couple. May na-collect na tayong extension wires, walang kuryente, nagta-tap sina alyas Fritz at alyas Sunshine sa neighbor. Ang extension wire may nakasaksak pang charger, ceiling fan na maliit,” according to Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, BFP Bacolod City fire marshal.
The side of the couple has not been sought yet as they are nowhere to be found in the said area.
“Bigyan ng hustisya ang pagkasunog ng lahat dito,” said Jocelyn, another affected resident.
The fire victims sought temporary shelter at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School. Processing of financial assistance for the victims is ongoing, as of this writing.
“We are given 15 days to use this school. Magmi-meet ako with the BHA [Bacolod Housing Authority], agencies and the barangay. Kapag nasunugan ka is no joke…blood, sweat, and tears para makapagpatayo ng bahay,” Mayor Greg Gasataya said.
| via Adrian Prietos/GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas; Photo from MJ Leonoras' video/Drone shot courtesy: BFP Bacolod City