17 families lost homes to devastating fire that razed residential area in Tuba, Benguet 

Tuba, Benguet – At least 17 families, or 43 individuals, were displaced by a fire that broke out in Pacdal, Barangay Camp 3, Tuba, Benguet, on Thursday, April 16.

According to a report from the Baguio City Fire Station, the fire started in the morning, was declared under control at around 12:52 p.m., and was fully extinguished at approximately 1:20 p.m.

The blaze reportedly destroyed several residential houses and a mercantile establishment in the affected area.

No belongings were saved by the affected families; however, no casualties or injuries were recorded during the incident.

In response, relief assistance was immediately provided by Philex Mining Corporation, including sacks of rice, trays of eggs, noodles, canned goods, cooking oil, milk, coffee, and hygiene kits.

The assistance was extended to help ease the burden of the affected families, especially since their properties were completely destroyed by the fire.

The company is continuing to monitor the situation to determine what additional support may be provided.

Aside from Philex Mining Corporation, assistance was also extended by Barangay Camp 3, the municipal government of Tuba, and the Office of Civil Defense.

In a report dated April 17, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD–Cordillera) said it also extended aid to the victims, including P10,000 for each affected family.

As of this writing, an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.