A huge fire razed 60 houses in an interior portion of Barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City.

The fire broke out at 2:56 p.m. on March 3, 2025, in Zone 7, Ihawan, Barangay Mantuyong.

The area is reportedly hard to reach. Only a few firefighters were able to reportedly gain access because of narrow alleys.

The rest of the firemen who responded positioned at a spot across a river to reach the scene with their hoses. However, the fire spread quickly and destroyed houses in three blocks.

Victims tried to scavenge belongings that can still be of use or can be sold to scrap buyers.

They appealed for financial assistance from the government.

“Kinahanglan ta’g kwarta para naa’y panggasto ug materyales pod para magamit,” Joey Bautro, a fire victim, said.

On March 4, 2025, officials of the barangay and the Local Government Unit of Mandaue City conducted a validation of the list of fire victims.

According to the barangay chairman, 55 houses were destroyed based on an initial list and 80 households affected.

“Ang problema wala kasulod ang truck, tungod sa wires nga nagbuto-buto, live wire, wala makalahos si firetruck. Walay nisugat sa kayo napugngan padung sa west,” Mantuyong Barangay Chairman Toto Areopagita said.

It was learned from residents that this is the fourth fire incident in the area.

The other three happened in 1992, 2007, and 2016.

“Tuig 2016 katapusang naigo sa dakong sunog kining bahin sa Barangay Mantuyong, ug sukad niadto na reblock na, nahapsay na ang mga panimay dinhi ning lugar. Apan wa damha miigo pagkahuman sa siyam ka tuig ang laing trahedya,” Areopagita pointed out.

 Areopagita assured residents they will be able to build back their houses in the area.

Most of the fire victims have sought temporary shelter at the barangay gymnasium. Modular tents were provided for their privacy. A few families have agreed to share one tent.