BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — Two separate fire incidents over the weekend have left dozens of families homeless, destroying a total of 33 houses and damaging nine others in Bacolod City.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) reported on Sunday, January 25, 2026, that the blazes affected 187 individuals.
Two Localities Hit The fires occurred in two different barangays within a 24-hour span:
- Barangay 10 (Purok Tambipalad): The first and larger fire broke out on Saturday afternoon, January 24. It razed 30 houses and partially damaged four others. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Bacolod estimated property losses from this incident at approximately P237,500.
- Barangay Singcang-Airport (Sitio Magsungay): A second fire occurred at around 4:44 PM on Sunday. This blaze destroyed three houses and damaged five more, affecting 11 families (38 individuals).
Causes and Casualties BFP investigators cited electrical ignition as the cause of the second fire. While property damage was significant, there were no immediate reports of fatalities or serious injuries resulting from either incident.
Relief Operations DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga confirmed that the Bacolod City government has already mobilized assistance for the displaced residents.
- Immediate Aid: Food packs, hygiene kits, and temporary shelter materials are being provided.
- Government Support: Relief efforts are being coordinated through the DSSD and the office of Bacolod Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez.
Local authorities are reminding residents to inspect their electrical wirings and avoid overloading outlets to prevent similar tragedies, especially during the dry conditions often seen at the beginning of the year.