A fire hit the Barangay Cabacungan Public Market in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, at 1:15 a.m. Monday, April 10.
The fire destroyed 18 market stalls and goods estimated at P7 million, SFO3 Eulogio Patriarca, OIC Municipal Fire Marshal, said Tuesday.
The fire spread quickly through the stalls that were made of light materials with plywood partitions, he said.
Patriarca said the fire could have been caused by faulty electrical wiring or by cooking at one of the stalls.
Rep. Emilio Yulo III (Neg. Occ., 5th District) said 17 store owners and five renters were affected by the fire and that he had provided them with financial assistance.
Destroyed were a grocery and variety stores, eateries, a bakeshop, and a feeds supply store.
“Today, we extend our hands to those affected by this tragedy, and we hope that this small act of kindness, including the cash assistance we have given, will provide comfort and ease in this difficult time,” he said in a Facebook post.
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the municipal government has also provided assistance to the fire victims.*