3 children dead, 2 others hurt in Iloilo fire

Three children died after a fire broke out inside their house while they were asleep in Barangay Dalusan, Maasin in Iloilo. 

According to the GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas report of Kim Salinas on "Saksi," five children were believed to be sleeping inside the house when the fire broke out on Wednesday night.

"Ang sabi ko, nandoon ang tatlong bata. Pinuntahan pa namin sa loob sana para ma-rescue pero wala na kaming makita kasi malaki na ang apoy," said Renato Mandate, Barangay Kagawad. 

A 5-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy who both had polio were both burned to death. 

Meanwhile, a one-year-old girl was pulled out of the burning house but was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after suffering burns on her body. 

The victims' 12-year-old and 8-year-old brothers are still being treated at the hospital.

In the initial investigation by Maasin BFP, the parents of the children were attending a wake when the fire occurred. 

It is possible that the fire originated from the flame under the stairs of the house which was their only access.

"Nang tiningnan ko, grabe na ang apoy, ang laki na. Sabi ko, wala na. Anak ko na yung nasusunog, bahay ko iyon kasi nagsiga ako. Pagdating namin, kaunti na lang ang natira sa bahay ko," said Mechelle Molanda, the victims' mother. 

The BFP had difficulty in putting out the fire as the house of the victims is located in a mountainous part of the barangay. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News