A fire struck over 30 stalls at the Bacolod Central Market past 2 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024 in Barangay 12, Bacolod City.

The watchman of the market failed reportedly to call immediate assistance from city firefighters.

The fire was raised to second alarm.

A fire-out was declared past 3 a.m.

“May dalawang putok, pagpunta niya doon nakita nya na malaki na ang apoy. Ang kanyang radio, nahulog so hindi siya nakapagbato through radio so tumakbo siya [doon] sa kasama niya sa POSO [Public Order and Safety Office] sa plaza,” said Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire marshal.

In an initial investigation of BFP, 18 stalls were destroyed while 19 were damaged partially.

Damage reached approximately P4.7 million.

Among the stalls destroyed were a tailoring shop, stalls where native products were sold, and eateries.

Temporary closure of the said market was ordered hours after the incident on December 13, 2024.

At least 12 other stalls in the market are affected by the temporary closure.

“Hindi pa talaga pwede. Bumalik na lang sila dahil magre-release ng ID [identification card],” Jimmy Moncada, market watchman, said.

Meanwhile, owners of other stalls complained of falling victims to alleged looting.

“Huwag na silang magnakaw kasi kami naapektuhan rin ng sunog. Magka-intindihan na lang kami,” Felix Taquiso, owner of a tailoring shop, said.

Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez went to the market and assured financial assistance to victims.

The Local Government Unit will provide a temporary relocation site for the fire victims, this was further learned.