A senior citizen perished in a fire that razed at least nine houses in Iloilo City on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

The fire broke out at around 1 p.m. in Zone 3, Barangay Rizal Lapuz Sur.

In a report by Rommel Bebita of GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, it was learned that the charred body of the senior citizen was found by firefighters at about 3 p.m. in a clearing operation.

The victim was identified only as “Susan,” 69 years old, a bedridden person because of a debilitating ailment.

The houses that burned down belong to Raymondu Jaruda, 50 years old; Ann Goco, 50;  Butchoy Allona, 60; Apple Estrera, 30; Jimmy Perez, 65;  JR Jaruda, 30; Shiela Soquiño, 50;  Shahani Coco, 60 years old; and the house of Rizal Barangay Chairman Wilson Allona.

A Chow Chow, a thick-coated breed of dog with a curled tail and a characteristic blue-black tongue, also died in the incident. 

In an initial investigation, an explosion was heard that was followed by the blaze which engulfed quickly the houses.

As of posting time, the Bureau of Fire Protection is yet to establish the cause of the fire and determine the cost of damages. 

(via M. Ferrer, R. Bebita/GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)