Province eyes aid to families of La Paz fire casualties

ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government is ready to provide assistance to the families of the two fatalities in a fire in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Lyn Rose Sobretodo, 26, was a resident of Barangay Casalgsagan, Pototan, Iloilo, and Renz David Aguilar, 22, was from Barangay Agnaga, Concepcion, Iloilo.

“Yes, we will see in what way we can help. Mabulig kita sa aton mga kasimanwa nga naapektohan sang mga kalamidad. We are always open to that, buligan naton sila,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., eyeing to extend financial assistance, among others.

So far, the families of the two victims have not yet reached out to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the governor added.

Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City, in a press conference, pledged assistance as well.

“The city will be providing [for the] burial expenses para sa duha. The Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is getting in touch with the families,” said Treñas.

The city mayor disclosed looking into possibly giving a maximum of P100,000 in assistance to the families of the two victims.

Aside from this, the city government will assist all affected by the fire, including non-city residents.

CSWDO data showed that seven houses, mostly boarding houses, were affected by the afternoon blaze on Feb. 18. Five were totally damaged, and two were partially damaged.

The incident displaced 10 families composed of 173 individuals, mostly students and workers from the province temporarily staying in the area./PN