Monday, March 4, 2024

Residential Fires February, 2024

This is a reported list of residential fires in the Philippines for February, 2024. The Bureau of Fire Protection is on record saying the fire codes does not apply to residential areas which is why so many of them go up in flames during a fire. Being made of light materials all it takes is one spark to cause massive devastation. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/02/2330378/fire-leaves-1100-homeless-manila

At least 1,100 people lost their homes when a fire razed a shantytown in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday afternoon.

The displaced residents sought shelter under the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Recto station and the barangay covered court, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported.

Fire Officer 3 Hendrix Daguioan suffered second-degree burns in his left hand while resident Norjanah Bansil became dizzy, according to the BFP.

The blaze, which started at around 3:11 p.m., reached fifth alarm at around 3:46 p.m., the BFP-National Capital Region said.

Twenty BFP fire truck crews and 30 volunteer firefighter groups helped put out the fire. The BFP said firefighters found it difficult to get to the origin of the fire, which was located in a maze of shanties and narrow alleys in Barangay 310.

Manila Fire District chief Senior Supt. Christine Cula said the fire was put out just before 8 p.m.

The fire caused traffic jams along Recto Avenue and Quezon Boulevard service road as well as the closure of the LRT-2 Recto station. The station reopened yesterday.

The fire could have started from a computer shop that Barangay 310 captain Roland Gacula described as “on and off,” according to a report on News5.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/7/fire-burns-5-houses-in-sampaloc-manila

At least five houses were damaged in a fire that broke out on Maria Luisa corner Masbate Streets, Sampaloc, Manila on Wednesday morning, Feb. 7

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started at around 7:30 a.m. before it was raised to the first alarm at 7:46 a.m.

The blaze was put under control at 8:20 a.m. and was extinguished at 9:14 a.m.

Fire volunteers said four of the houses burned were made of wooden materials, while one residential building was partially damaged.

They said electricity was temporarily cut off in the area and will be restored later.

Around eight families were displaced by the fire.

Authorities said they will provide modular tents and hot meals to the affected families.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/fire-hits-homes-in-pandacan

Three people were hurt in a fire that broke out at a residential area in Barangay 836, Pandacan, Manila on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Rescue crews said a 40-year-old man sustained a six-centimeter laceration on his body, and a 39-year-old woman suffered smoke inhalation. They were given immediate first aid at the scene.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old fireman fell from the second floor of a burning house, which caused him lacerations on his right hand and burns on his left hand. He is currently admitted to the Philippine General Hospital.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was raised to the first alarm at 1:07 a.m. and to the second alarm at 1:25 a.m.

Firefighters were able to put the blaze under control at 1:48 a.m. before it was extinguished at 1:58 a.m.

Based on the initial investigation, the fire started on the second floor of a two-storey house owned by Illuminada Papio.

Arson investigators said at least five houses were damaged, while 12 families or 36 individuals were displaced by the fire.

They have yet to determine the cause of the fire.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/kawit-cavite-fire-leaves-74-families-homeless

Fire gutted 50 houses in Barangay Pulvorista in Kawit early Thursday morning, Feb. 8.

The Bureau of Fire Protection Kawit (BFP Kawit) told the Manila Bulletin that the fire was reported at 12:41 a.m. and reached the second alarm at 12:48 a.m.

It was declared under control at 2:07 a.m. and was put out by 3:51 a.m. No casualties were reported.

Barangay officials recorded a total of 74 families that were rendered homeless by the fire who are now seeking temporary shelter at Binakayan National High School.

Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman Mcrein Lladoc said the fire victims have been provided with meals and clothing. However, they are still appealing for donations of relief goods and hygiene kits to further assist those affected by the fire.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1902509/30-houses-razed-in-bacoor-city-fire

A fire of still unknown origin broke out on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Bacoor City in Cavite province and razed 30 houses.

The Police Region 4A in a report Sunday, Feb. 11, said the blaze erupted at around 4:21 p.m. in Barangay (village) Niog and was put off one hour later.

The Bacoor fire station, citing the initial report from the local social welfare office, said at least 30 houses were burned down, causing the displacement of 70 families.

Three persons were treated for wounds and an ailment, that was not specified in the report, after the fire. No casualties were reported.

The property damage has yet to be determined by authorities.

The fire victims are temporarily housed at the village elementary school where local social workers are attending to them.

Investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/12/unattended-candle-sparks-bacolod-fire

An unattended candle resulted in a fire that hit six houses in Purok Providence, Barangay Sum-ag here on Sunday, February 11.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Jereck Barbas, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod ground commander, said that three houses were partially damaged and three were destroyed.

Barbas said the blaze broke out at around 7:10 a.m. from a house owned by Joylyn Tahum but occupied by a relative following a power interruption that morning.

Tahum's relative reportedly forgot about the candle when she left the house.

Barbas said the fire immediately spread to neighboring houses made of mixed concrete and light materials.

Nine families or 43 individuals were affected by the fire that left an estimated P43,750 in damage.

No injuries were reported and fire out was declared 30 minutes later.  

The city government is processing the release of financial assistance for fire victims. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/13/33-people-affected-by-fire-in-taguig

A total of eight families consisting of 33 individuals were affected by a fire in Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig. 

The fire hit a residential area in Phase 1, Raja Sumakwel Street in the barangay at about 6:14 a.m. on Feb. 11. 

Mayor Lani Cayetano visited the affected families on Feb. 12. The city government provided them with financial assistance, water, sleeping kits, hygiene kits and food packs. 

The city government said the 33 individuals are temporarily staying with their relatives. 

A report by the Taguig City Fire Station stated that the fire started from a two-storey house in the area. 

The fire reached the first alarm at 6:48 a.m. before it was put under control at 6:48 a.m. It was put out at 6:52 a.m. 

Investigators estimated that the fire damaged about P200,000 worth of properties. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

A total of nine fire trucks and four ambulances responded to the incident. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/14/35-houses-razed-in-cebu-city-valentine-s-day-fire

Thirty-five houses and stores were razed and two others were damaged in a fire in a residential area in Barangay Pahina Central here on Valentine’s Day.

The fire destroyed at least P6-million worth of property, said Senior Fire Officer 2 Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson of the Cebu City Fire Office.

The fire displaced at least 70 families and the cause is still being investigated, said Villanueva.

“Our fire arson investigation team is at the fire scene to investigate what really caused the fire,” said Villanueva.

The fire started at 12:39 p.m. on the third floor of JYC Building owned by Cebu Eastern College.

Flames immediately spread to nearby houses. The fire was raised to first alarm at 12:42 p.m. and reached the second alarm before it was contained at 1:35 p.m.

Cars and motorcycles parked on the road near the fire scene were also destroyed. 


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/897540/pco-chief-garafil-s-house-affected-in-qc-fire/story/

The house of Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Cheloy Garafil was among the structures affected by a fire in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City on Wednesday evening.

The fire broke out at around 8 p.m. in a duplex house and spread to another home, according to Bam Alegre's on Unang Balita on Thursday. 

Garafil declined to give a statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, a 67-year-old resident sustained third degree burns on the hand and was brought to a hospital for medical treatment, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.

Three families were affected by the incident. 

The fire was declared out at 10:44 p.m. 

More or less P7 million worth of damage was estimated.

The BFP is still looking into the cause of the fire.

BFP - Quezon City’s Fire Chief Inspector Marvin Mari said responders were not able to get to the area swiftly because of the heavy traffic amid Valentine's Day.

(It took them a long time to call. We were able to respond but due to the heavy traffic, we were not able to arrive immediately.)


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/17/3-persons-injured-in-pasay-fire

Three persons were injured after a fire broke out in a residential area in Pasay City on Friday night, Feb. 16.

The Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) Fire Marshal, Supt. Mariano Taguiam said the injured victims were identified as Geraldine Nugut,29, who suffered an abrasion in the left arm; Lorenz Yumul, 19, who suffered a laceration on the right eyelid; and Ramon Miranda, 63.

Taguiam said the fire started inside the two-storey house of Minda Campusano at around 6:30 p.m. along P. Dandan St., Barangay 54, Pasay City, and immediately spread to nearby houses.

He said 54 fire trucks responded to the area placing the fire under control at around 7:34 p.m. and was declared fire out at 10:46 p.m.

The BFP reported that 30 families were affected by the fire and placed the property damage to P480,000.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiao visited the fire victims seeking temporary shelter at Barangay 54 gymnasium at around 1 a.m.

Rubiano and members of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) responded to the needs of fire victims and distributed mats, blankets, towels, hygiene kits, rice, canned goods, and others.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1906090/woman-dead-88-families-displaced-in-cavite-fire

A woman died and 88 families were affected in another fire of still unknown origin that broke out on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Bacoor City in Cavite province.

In a report Sunday, Feb. 18, Police Region 4A said the blaze erupted at around 4:20 p.m. in Barangay (village) Niog and was declared under control 34 minutes later.

The police identified the casualty as one “Rosalinda,” 60. The report did not provide details on the victim but her body would be subjected to an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.

The police report did not specify the number of burned houses in the incident.

However, the village council reported that 88 families composed of 320 individuals were affected by the fire.

The report, posted on the Facebook page of the barangay, said the affected families are temporarily housed at the multi-purpose hall and village chapels.

Village officials are asking for donations to help the fire victims.

The property damage has yet to be determined by authorities.

Investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

On Feb. 10, a one-hour fire also broke out in the same village and razed 30 houses. The blaze left 70 families displaced.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/897827/fire-hits-residential-area-in-navotas-city/story/

A fire broke out in a residential neighborhood in Barangay Navotas West, Navotas City on Sunday morning, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report of Luisito Santos.

Based on initial information from Navotas Fire Station, several houses along H. Monroy Street were affected by the quickly spreading blaze.

The fire started in a house at 10:29 a.m., and has been raised to second alarm.

The Bureau of Fire - National Capital Region said the fire was under control at 10:53 a.m.

No casualties were reported in the incident. Investigators are still trying to determine the exact cause of the fire as well as the amount of damage it caused.


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/897820/fire-breaks-out-in-barangay-tumana-marikina-two-slightly-hurt/story/

Two people were slightly hurt after fire broke out on Sunday morning in a residential area in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City.

The fire started at 7:47 a.m. at a house located on A. Santos Street, according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB.

Because the houses in the area were made of light materials, the fire quickly spread.

Firemen were able to put the fire under control at 8:46 a.m.

One of those injured had first-degree burn, while the other, a fire volunteer, had a wound on his hand.

The fire was eventually put out at 9 a.m., according to Santos' follow-up report on Super Radyo dzBB.

The Marikina Fire Station said 40 houses were affected by the fire, and 60 to 80 families were rendered homeless.

The Marikina City Rescue 161 said four people were hurt, and all of them had only slight minor injuries.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and amount of property damage.

Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro personally visited the area to check on the situation.

The local government unit promised to give financial assistance to the fire victims and extend help in rebuilding their homes after assessment.


https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/17/2333910/state-calamity-cagayan-de-oro-village-due-fire

Barangay Nazareth in Cagayan de Oro has been placed under a state of calamity due to a fire that hit a residential area on Thursday.

The barangay council approved the calamity declaration on Thursday night to ensure the fast distribution of relief assistance to affected families.

Initial reports said 99 families were rendered homeless in the fire, which destroyed 63 houses along 31st street.

Probers have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Damage due to the fire was initially placed at P4.3 million.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/fire-razes-10-houses-in-victorias-city

Ten houses were destroyed in a fire in Ditching Subdivision, Barangay V, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Monday, February 19.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Victorias reported that nine houses were destroyed and one was partially damaged.

Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Dave Kevin Duaban, arson investigator, said the blaze broke out at 2:54 p.m. from a vulcanizing shop.

Duaban said the shop owner and his two grandchildren were at home when the fire occurred. They were able to get out before the fire grew bigger, he added.

Duaban said the fire spread to neighboring houses made mostly of light materials.

Neighboring fire stations augmented fire response which lasted for more than an hour.

Duaban said that 16 families were affected and temporarily sheltered at the barangay gymnasium. 

Fire out was declared at 4:08 p.m. 

He said they are  probing the cause of the fire and initially looking at electrical as a possible reason. 

The city government has extended assistance to fire victims.

The fire left an estimated P750,000 worth of damage to property.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/septuagenarian-killed-in-catbalogan-fire

A 72-year-old woman died in a fire that razed four houses in Barangay 2, Catbalogan City, Samar on Tuesday, February 20.

The victim was identified as Jovita Norombaba Lapara.

Lapara went back to get her money and other important belongings from the second floor of her house.

She reportedly died due to suffocation after she was trapped inside her house.

Arson probers are investigating the cause of the fire.

Nobody was injured in the blaze.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Catbalogan estimated the damage from the fire at P100,000.

 
https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/19/call-center-agent-student-die-in-iloilo-city-fire

A 26-year-old call center agent and a 21-year-old college student died in a boarding house fire in Barangay San Nicolas La Paz District here on Sunday afternoon, February 18.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Iloilo City identified the fatalities as call center agent Lynrose Sobretodo of Pototan, Iloilo, and college student Renz Aguilar of Concepcion, Iloilo.

An initial report released by the BFP-Iloilo City said the victims were trapped on the third floor of the boarding house.

The victims were reportedly sleeping when the fire started and could not get out as the flames spread quickly.

The fire lasted for more than an hour and their bodies were discovered during clearing operations.

The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the fire totally damaged five and partially damaged two houses.

One-hundred fifty persons were affected, mostly boarders, who rent rooms near two state universities and two private colleges.

Mayor Jerry Treñas assured that the Iloilo City government will provide financial assistance to the fatalities.

“I condole with the families of the victims. The city government will give financial assistance for their burial,” said Treñas in a statement.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) distributed relief goods to fire victims.

The CSWDO distributed 25 kilos of rice, 14 cans of sardines, 14 cans of corned beef, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and kitchen kits to totally damaged households.

Ten kilos of rice, seven cans of sardines, and seven cans of corned beef were provided to people with partially damaged houses.

Boarders had two food packs each.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/fire-hits-residential-area-in-tondo-manila-1

Two people were killed while seven others were injured in a fire that burned houses in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, February 21.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) did not disclose yet the names of injured people and the fatalities. 

It said that the fire started at a two-story house made of light materials in Barangay 52, Dagupan, Tondo, Manila at around 1:29 p.m. 

BFP raised the first alarm and the second alarm at 1:41 p.m.

The fire was declared under control at 2:43 p.m. 

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire at around 4:33 p.m. 

Arson investigators said that around 100 families were affected by the fire which damaged about P1.5 million worth of property.

Investigtion is still ongoing to determine the origin of the fire, BFP said.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/fire-hits-residential-area-in-sta-mesa-manila-1

Six people, including two firefighters, were hurt during a fire that gutted houses in Barangay 598, Zone 69, Old Sta. Mesa, Manila on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Senior Fire Officer 3 (SFO3) Enriquez sustained burns on his right forearm while Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Jason Azurin suffered laceration on his right hand while battling the blaze. They were immediately given first aid treatment.

A 21-year-old man also sustained lacerations on his right hand, while a 20-year-old woman got a puncture wound on her left foot, while two other victims experienced breathing difficulty.

BFP raised the first alarm at 9:54 a.m. and immediately raised the second alarm at 10:01 a.m., and the third alarm at 10:54 a.m. 

It said that the fire started at a three-story house made of light materials. 

The BFP declared the fire under control at 11:44 p.m. 

It took them almost three hours before the fire was finally extinguished at 2:51 p.m. 

Around 100 houses were destroyed by the fire, displacing 300 families.

Arson probers placed the estimated cost of damage at P3,450,000.

They are still investigating the cause of the blaze.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/fire-hits-two-residential-houses-in-caloocan

A fire hit two houses and a sari-sari store in Barangay 149, Caloocan City early Friday morning, February 23.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze was raised to the first alarm at around 3:25 a.m. and was placed under control at 3:44 a.m.

It was extinguished at 4 a.m.

Authorities have yet to determine the estimated amount of damage to property and the cause of the blaze.

No one was reportedly hurt in the fire.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/fire-displaces-53-families-in-ormoc-city

Fifty-one families were displaced and 43 houses and establishments were razed by a fire in a residential area in Barangay Cogon, Ormoc City, Leyte on Thursday night, February 22.

A man, Ivan Caliwan, was injured in the blaze that started at around 7:30 p.m. and reached the third alarm, prompting fire trucks from the neighboring municipalities of Kananga, Albuera, Matag-ob, Merida, and Palompon, and Baybay City to respond.

Fire out was declared at 10:25 p.m. Damage to property was placed at P774,000. 

Affected families were sheltered at the covered courts in Barangay Doña Feliza Mejia and Cogon. 

Cause of fire is yet to be determined.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/70-houses-torched-in-muntinlupa-fire

A total of 70 houses were destroyed when a fire hit a residential area in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa on Feb. 23. 

According to the Muntinlupa City Fire Station, the blaze displaced about 250 families or about 1,000 individuals. 

The fire started from a house on Rizal Aplaya at about 3:32 a.m. and spread to nearby structures occupied by informal settlers, the report stated. 

The first alarm was raised at 3:35 a.m. followed by a second alarm at 3:53 a.m. The blaze was put under control at 5:04 a.m. before it was put out at 7:11 a.m. 

Investigators estimated the damage to properties at P350,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Personnel from the Muntinlupa Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MDDRM) also responded to help. 

The MDDRM provided tents to the families in the evacuation area while the Muntinlupa Social Services Department gave essential goods to the families. 

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon and Rep. Jaime Fresnedi immediately visited the affected families. 

Biazon, accompanied by Barangay Poblacion Chairman Allen Ampaya, assured families that the city government will provide them with assistance. The families are temporarily staying at the barangay hall of Poblacion while others are at the Muntinlupa Evacuation Center in the barangay. 

A total of 33 fire trucks and two ambulances responded to the fire incident. 


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1908885/elderly-woman-dies-in-batangas-city-fire

A 73-year-old woman died on Thursday when a fire razed her house in Batangas City.

In a report on Friday, Feb. 22, the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO 4A) said the blaze erupted at 5:55 a.m. in Barangay Calicanto and was declared under control 53 minutes later.

The report said firemen discovered the body of Ludivina Espirito on the second floor of her burned house, which was made of concrete and light materials.

Investigators said the victim’s body would be subjected to an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.

There was no information on the whereabouts of the victim’s family when the fire broke out.

Residents in the area said the fire started in the kitchen of the victim’s house and spread to another house. The authorities were conducting further investigations.

Authorities pegged the damage from the fire at P500,000.


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/898484/two-dead-in-fire-in-residential-area-in-mandaluyong/story/

Two people died after they were trapped in a fire that broke out in a residential area in Mandaluyong City on Friday night.

One of the fatalities was an 80-year-old grandmother and the other was her son, according to a report by Carlo Mateo on Dobol B TV on Saturday, citing Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials.

The fire started at 11:13 p.m. in a residential area on Backside Street in Barangay Vergara.

It reached the second alarm before it was finally put out by firemen at 2:06 a.m. Saturday.

BFP personnel will retrieve today the bodies which were buried under debris from the burned houses.

The BFP said 119 families or 451 individuals were affected by the fire.

Affected residents were evacuated to the Isaac Lopez Integrated School and the barangay covered court.

BFP investigators are still determining the cause of the fire which is believed to have been a toppled lamp or gasera.

The BFP urged the public to exercise caution and prevent fires especially as the country experiences warmer temperatures due to the El Niño.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1909526/fire-razes-10-houses-in-rizal-town-2

A fire of still unknown origin broke out and razed 10 houses on Saturday night, Feb. 24, in Binangonan town in Rizal province.

The Police Region 4A police reported Sunday, Feb. 25, that the fire erupted in Barangay (village) Darangan around 9:30 p.m. and was put off 37 minutes later.

The blaze left 10 houses burned. The report said 10 families were rendered homeless based on the initial estimate by the local authorities.

No casualties or serious injuries were reported.

The fire victims were temporarily settled in a Catholic chapel in the village while their officials are asking for donations to help the victims.

Firemen were still conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/27/2336426/rizal-fire-leaves-3-dead

Three relatives died in a fire that destroyed their house in Taytay, Rizal on Sunday night.

The remains of Gloria de Silva, and Celerina and Elvira, both surnamed Valera, were retrieved by firefighters during a clearing operation.

Arson prober Senior Fire Officer 3 Gerald Lising said the fire started in the kitchen at around 9:02 p.m.

Lising said the victims were trapped in the house, which was made of light materials.

Investigation is ongoing.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/27/2-senior-citizens-killed-in-roxas-city-fire

Two people died in a fire in a residential area in Roxas City, the capital of Capiz province, on Tuesday afternoon, February 27.

Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas confirmed the death of two senior citizens in an official statement released via his official Facebook page.

The fatalities were identified as 67-year-old Nestor Clarito and 66-year-old Anita Villaruz.

Dadivas said they were trapped inside their homes and were not able to escape during the fire.

Initial information released by the Mayor’s Office said more than 60 houses were razed and hundreds of residents in Barangay 7 were displaced by the blaze that quickly spread as many homes were made of light materials.

Dadivas checked the area and observed that majority of the houses were totally burned.

He created a command post in Barangay 7 to enable city government agencies  the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Health Office (CHO), City Engineers Office (CEO), and Electrical Division – to assist fire victims.

Displaced residents were taken to the Rufina Andrada Memorial School.  

The city government has distributed food and other necessary items to the victims.


https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/28/2336746/120-families-homeless-quezon-city-fire

At least 120 families were displaced yesterday after a fire razed a slum area in Quezon City.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)’s National Capital Region field office said the blaze in Barangay Tatalon started at around 11:16 a.m. and reached second alarm.

An employee at the city disaster risk reduction and management office said around 45 shanties at the corner of Banawe and Cadiz streets were destroyed.

Arson probers said they are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters contained the fire at 12:55 p.m.

The affected residents are taking shelter at the covered court of a public school in the area.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/27/fire-hits-residential-area-in-qc-6

A fire hit a residential area at Luzon Avenue corner Commonwealth Avenue, Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon, February 27. 

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the first alarm was raised at 3:45 p.m. and the the second alarm at 4:10 p.m.

Firefighters were able to put the blaze under control at 5:27 p.m.

As of this writing, authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/898857/about-300-houses-damaged-in-paranaque-fire/story/

About 300 families were affected by the fire that hit a residential area in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City on Tuesday evening, Bam Alegre reported on "Unang Balita."

Authorities raised the first fire alarm to fourth alarm as the fire quickly spread in the area and was extinguished after a few hours.

The estimated cost of damage to property reached about P800,000, one male resident was injured and underwent medical treatment immediately.

The firefighters faced some difficulties as the area is located near the Manila Memorial Park and some had to pass through a creek.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is investigating the cause of the fire.


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/898926/fire-hits-residential-neighborhood-in-tandang-sora/story/

Fire hits residential area in Tandang Sora

A fire broke out in a residential area in Janet Street in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City on Wednesday morning, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report by Allan Gatus.

The Bureau of Fire Protection said the fire started at around 11 a.m., reaching the third alarm around noon. 

It was declared under control afterwards by 12:07 p.m.

In a Facebook post,the  Barangay Tandang Sora Fire Brigade said the fire quickly spread due to the light materials of the structures in the neighborhood.

Investigation is still ongoing as to the cause and origin of the fire as well as the amount of damage to life and property.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/1/fire-razes-some-20-houses-in-antipolo-city

Around 20 houses were razed by a fire in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City near the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage on the eve of Fire Prevention Month on Thursday, Feb. 29.

A personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)- Antipolo City told the Manila Bulletin that the blaze destroyed around 20 houses situated on Dela Paz Street in Barangay San Jose.

The BFP said the fire was reported to the station at around 5:03 p.m. and was declared fire out at 5:30 p.m.

Sounds of the siren from the responding firetrucks interrupted the 5 p.m. Holy Mass at the shrine.

Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector and administrator, told the Manila Bulletin that the fire happened some two streets away from the cathedral.

A netizen was able to take a picture of the shrine with smoke on its background.

The BFP said the investigation on the cause of the fire and estimated damage to property was still ongoing.

The Antipolo fire incident happened a few hours before the official start of the Fire Prevention Month.

That is 30 reported residential fires for the month of February which is an average of one a day.  Along with millions in damages hundreds of homes were destroyed displacing hundreds of families and thousands of people. Many of these houses were constructed of light materials which caused the fire to spread quickly. In one instance a whole shantytown was engulfed.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Retards in the Government 354

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219354

Intensified operations of the Philippine National Police-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) have resulted in the dismissal of 131 erring police officers, a ranking police official said Thursday.

These police officers were dismissed from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14 this year, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a presser in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

She added that these officers were dismissed from the service for their involvement in various illegal activities such as robbery, illegal drugs, obstruction of justice, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Of this figure, 62 personnel went absent without official leave (AWOL).

During its fifth founding anniversary Thursday, the IMEG said it has conducted a total of 86 law enforcement operations.

Of this number, 56 operations resulted in the arrest of a total of 69 individuals which include one police commissioned officer (PCO), 16 police non-commissioned officers (PNCO), and five civilians.

In the campaign against wanted persons, a total of 47 active and former PNP members were arrested -- 21 PNCO and 26 others who were either retired or dismissed members of the organization.

131 PNP officers have been dismissed for various offenses this year between January 1st and February 14th.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219376

The Supreme Court (SC) found Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and his lawyers guilty of indirect contempt after they failed to justify their filing of a petition for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) which was subsequently withdrawn on the same week it was filed.

The high court also meted a PHP30,000 fine on Mamba and his counsels from the Macalintal Law Office. 

In a statement Thursday, the court said while Mamba and his counsel sought for the SC’s immediate action for the issuance of a TRO, they could not show the same urgency in manifesting to the court subsequent developments affecting the proceedings.

Under court rules, abuse or unlawful interference with the processes or proceedings of a court is punishable as indirect contempt.

The rules also consider as indirect contempt any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly to impede, obstruct or degrade the administration of justice.

“After a punctilious review of the records, numerous news reports that the Court takes judicial notice of, and Gov. Mamba and Macalintal Law Office’s assertions in their Compliance… the Court is convinced that Mamba and the Macalintal Law Office should be cited in indirect contempt under Rule 71, Section 3(c) and (d) of the Rules of Court,” the Court concluded.

Aside from the fine penalty, the court sternly warned both Mamba and Macalintal Law Office that a repetition of the same or similar act in the future shall be dealt with more severely and noted that Mamba’s petition is now deemed withdrawn, closed, and terminated.

The Governor of Cagayan has been found in indirect contempt by the SC for not being able to justify a TRO. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/23/cop-faces-murder-charges-for-shooting-fisher

A policeman allegedly shot and killed a 19-year-old fisherman during an  altercation in a videoke bar in Barangay Calumpang, this city, on Wednesday, February 21.

Police identified the victim as Marvin Bahian.

The suspect, Police Corporal Ekinne Semilla, 34, assigned to the Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station, was arrested the following day by pursuing policemen in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, following an order from Police Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office-12 director.

Macaraeg said aside from murder, Semilla faces administrative charges that may lead to dismissal from the service.

“Such erring behavior by a police officer was utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Macaraeg said.

Semilla figured in a gun-toting incident last December 17 when he was drunk in Barangay Calumpang.

A cop is facing a murder charge for killing a man during karaoke. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1909620/barangay-captain-2-other-officers-shot-dead-in-san-isidro-leyte

A barangay captain, a councilman and a village watchman (tanod) were shot dead inside the barangay hall in Barangay Daja Diot, San Isidro town, Leyte on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Elizalde Tabon, 55, the village chieftain; councilman Paulo Al Mendero, 52; and village tanod member Rusty Salazar were inside the barangay hall when four armed men barged in shot them several times at about 9:30 p.m., the local police said.

Alex Bacor, another village watchman and brother-in-law of the village chairman, who was standing outside the barangay hall, was injured.

The still unidentified perpetrators fled on board a motorcycle.

The local police have yet to determine the identity and motive behind the killing.

A barangay captain, councilman, and village watchman were all assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/25/village-dad-falls-in-buy-bust

A barangay kagawad or councilor was arrested and P346,800 worth of shabu was seized in a buy-bust operation in Concepcion, Iloilo on February 23.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) identified the suspect as 41-year-old Oriel Navarro.

Navarro was nabbed after he sold suspected shabu worth P3,500 to a police poseur-buyer.

The suspect yielded a total of 52 grams of shabu.

Police Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson, said Navarro was an identified supplier in Concepcion and allegedly gets his supply from Estancia town.

The Police Regional Office-6 lauded police personnel involved in the operation.

“I commend the tireless efforts of the police personnel involved in this operation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities from the scourge of drugs,” said Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, PRO-6 director.

The 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Concepcion Municipal Police Station assisted in the operation.

A barangay councilor has been arrested for drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/26/village-chair-from-basilan-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-city

The president of the Association of Barangay Captains of Isabela City, Basilan was shot dead and his two companions were wounded in front of a hotel here on Sunday night, February 25.

Police identified the fatality as Franklyn Galos Tan,  chairman of Barangay Seaside.

Wounded were Jaider Jumdam, barangay chairman of Kampurna 1, and Daryl Jalani, barangay chairman of Kampurna 3.

Investigation said that the victims were shot outside the Puerta de la Ciudad Hotel on Nuñez St. by two suspects onboard a motorcycle.

Tan  sustained bullets wounds and died on the spot and his two companions were taken to a hospital.

The suspects fled after the incident.

Tan was also shot in Isabela City in October 2014 but survived.

The victims were here to attend a meeting when they were shot.

Police are pursuing the suspects.

A village chairman has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/27/batangas-lgu-legislative-officer-wounded-in-shooting

A 56-year-old legislative officer of the municipal government was critically wounded in a shooting incident here on Monday morning, February 26.

Police identified the victim as Ronald Afritado, Local Legislative Staff Officer IV.

The victim was driving a Sports Utility Vehicle when a man driving a motorcycle appeared and fired at him in Barangay Calansayan.

The suspect fled towards the direction of Lipa City and Afritado was taken to the Metro San Jose Medical Center for treatment of bullet wounds.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation.

A legislative officer has survived an assassination attempt. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/27/2336526/cop-convicted-homicide-jemboy-case-others-receive-lighter-penalties

A Navotas court found one police officer guilty of homicide in the case involving the death of 17-year-old Jehrode "Jemboy" Baltazar which happened on Aug. 2, 2023.

PSSg. Gerry Maliban, among the six officers initially charged with murder in the shooting incident involving Baltazar, has been convicted of homicide by the Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 286.

"Police staff seargeant Maliban cannot be said to have employed means, methods or forms in the execution of the crime," said Anne Diaz, Clerk of Court at Navotas RTC, as she read a portion of the court's conviction during an interview with reporters.

"This is because the urge to shoot the victim materialized only when the victim attempted to escape," she added. 

Maliban has been sentenced to serve four to six years in prison.

Other police officers, namely PEMS. Roberto Balais Jr., PSSg. Nikko Esquilon, PCpl. Edmard Jade Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Mangada only received a four-month imprisonment each for the illegal discharge of firearms.

Only one cop named PSSG. Antonio Bugayong has been acquitted.

In August 2023, the Department of Justice charged all police officers with the crime of murder in connection with the killing of Baltazar.

The six individuals were part of the eight police officers involved in the operation on August 2 in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran, resulting in Baltazar's death.

The police mistakenly identified Baltazar as Reynaldo Bolivar, a murder suspect they were pursuing.

The cops shot Baltazar while he and his friend were boarding a boat. His friend survived, but Baltazar died and remained submerged in the river until his remains were recovered hours later. 

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun reported in August last year that Baltazar's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and drowning from his submerged body was noted as a contributory factor.

A total of 22 Navotas police officers have been sacked over the killing of Baltazar.

One cop has been convicted of murder and four others cops have been convicted of illegal discharge of firearms over the death of a 17-year old last year. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911195/fwd-solgen-on-puertollano-dismissal

The Malacañang has removed Assistant Solicitor General Derek Puertollano from his position due to allegations of sexual harassment, confirmed Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra to INQUIRER.net on Wednesday.

Reports have circulated that Puertollano allegedly harassed legal interns. Guevarra confirmed the dismissal, but has yet to provide further details.

“Confirmed,” Guevarra  told INQUIRER.net when asked about the reported dismissal of Puertollano.

“The decision speaks for itself. I have nothing further to add,” Guevarra said when asked for a reaction.

Assistant Solicitor General Derek Puertollano has been removed from his position due to allegations of sexual harassment.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/28/2336593/sc-imposes-p180k-fine-pao-chief-contempt-undignified-conduct

The Supreme Court (SC) has imposed a P180,000 fine on Public Attorneys Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta for her social media statements on the "Conflict of Interest" provision of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

In a press release issued on Tuesday evening, the SC announced that the PAO chief was found guilty of indirect contempt and grossly undignified conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. This ruling stemmed from her social media pronouncements on the matter.

“It was determined that Atty. Acosta’s statements and innuendos on her Facebook page, which was accessible to the public, attributed ill intent and malice to the Court,” the high court’s press release read.

“The Court also found that by launching a public campaign against the new conflict of interest rule for the PAO using public attorneys and the PAO’s staff and clients and publicizing the contents of the PAO’s letters to Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo requesting the deletion of the same rule, Atty. Acosta tried to sway public opinion in order to pressure the Court into yielding to her position,” it added. 

The SC has fined the PAO Chief for contempt and undignified behavior.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911840/cops-file-raps-vs-dpwh-worker-for-hurling-grenade-that-injures-3

The police in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental filed three counts of frustrated murder complaints against a job order employee of Department of Public Works and Highways for hurling a grenade at a coffee shop that resulted in the injury of three people and damage to two vehicles.

According to Police Maj. Ryan Villasario, San Carlos deputy police chief, it would be up to the city prosecutor what appropriate charge to file against the suspect whose name was being withheld.

The complaint was filed against the suspect in the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 28, a day after he threw a grenade at the “Kapehan sa Medina” store at the Eco-Tourism Highway at Sitio Medina, Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City.

A 75-year-old store owner, her 42-year-old son, and a 34-year-old female store attendant were injured in the attack that happened at 11:08 a.m. and brought to the San Carlos City Hospital, the police said.

The windshield of black Mitsubishi Xpander of a 55-year-old policeman was damaged.

A motorcycle of a relative of the victims was also damaged.

San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo said the suspect was immediately apprehended.

Police Lt. Colonel Nazer P. Canja, San Carlos police chief, said the suspect was identified by an eyewitness who was present at the scene of the crime.

The suspect was arrested at his residence at Barangay Punao around 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. The helmet and motorcycle used during the grenade throwing were also found in his possession.

The motive behind the attack had yet to be determined, Canja said.

A job order employee of the DWPH has been arrested for frustrated murder after tossing a grenade into a coffee shop. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219762

Police authorities here are searching for two gunmen who ambushed and injured the municipal mayor’s secretary on Tuesday afternoon.

Maj. Jethro Doligas, Lambayong municipal police chief, identified the victim as Borhanudin Delna, 40, of Purok Rang-ay, Barangay Poblacion.

Delna is the executive secretary of Lambayong Mayor Ferdinand Andy Agduma.

Agduma said he has directed the local police to bring the perpetrators behind bars, and assured Delna’s family that the local government unit (LGU) would provide financial aid to the injured employee.

“I also assure all LGU employees that the local government is ready to extend help should anyone get threats while performing their duties as civil servants,” he said in a radio interview Wednesday.

Delna was on board a tricycle for hire heading to Barangay Poblacion from nearby Tacurong City when ambushed by two gunmen riding a motorbike at past 4 p.m.

He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the body and is now getting medical attention in an undisclosed hospital. 

A Mayor's secretary has survived an assassination attempt.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Coronavirus Lockdown: VCO Research, Stake Sale, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.

The big thing about post-pandemic recovery is tourism. Everyone wants everyone to visit. This includes Japan which has seen a rise in Filipino tourists. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/898529/622k-filipinos-visited-japan-in-2023-jnto/story/

More than 620,000 Filipinos visited Japan last year as outbound tourism surged with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization shows there were 622,300 visitors from the Philippines in 2023, up 1.5% from the levels recorded in 2019 or before the COVID-19 pandemic.

''Last July, the number was the highest in ASEAN. People-to-people exchange is flourishing. We would like to keep our country attractive to the Filipino people,'' Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in his speech during the annual National Day Reception at the Grand Hyatt Manila to celebrate the 64th birthday of Emperor Naruhito on Friday.

In comparison, 305,580 Japanese nationals visited the Philippines in 2023, according to the Department of Tourism.

Koshikawa said bilateral relations ''have evolved beyond traditional areas and made great progress in a variety of new areas with the warm support of the Filipino people.''

Locally tourism revenues are up from both local and foreign tourists. 


https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/26/2336196/la-union-posts-p1-billion-tourism-revenues

The provincial government of La Union recorded P1.04 billion in tourism revenues last year.

Data from the office of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica David showed the easing of restrictions imposed during the pandemic resulted in a surge in tourist arrivals, both foreign and local.

The amount exceeded the P897 million that the province posted in 2022.

Tourist arrivals in 2023 increased to 550,359 from 494,387 in 2022.

The month of April recorded the most tourist arrivals with 68,567, followed by June with 55,131 and May with 53,921.

Of the total figure, 543,909 were local tourists while 6,450 were foreigners.

Forty-nine percent of domestic tourists came from Metro Manila followed by Central Luzon with 14 percent, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with 13 and the Cordilleras, 10 percent.

The surfing site of Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan was the most popular tourist destination.

San Juan received 215,645 visitors in 2023 followed by Bauang with 100,762 and San Fernando, 97,726.

Among the province’s tourists attractions are the Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, Poro Point Lighthouse, Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, Immuki Island in Balaoan, Baluarte Watch Tower and Namacpacan Church in Luna town, and the grape farms of Bauang.

David reminded residents and business owners to be mindful of the impact of the surge of visitors to the environment.

She said environmental protection should always be a priority.    

They are not specific on how tourists are destroying the environment. Is it garbage? 

Philippine Airlines is looking to sell a 20% to 25% stake in the company to help them "better navigate the global aviation industry after the COVID-19 pandemic." 


https://qa.philstar.com/business/2024/02/28/2336596/pal-revives-stake-sale-investors

Taipan Lucio Tan has revived plans to sell a significant stake in Philippine Airlines (PAL) to a strategic investor who could help the flag carrier soar to even greater heights, industry sources said.

The STAR learned that PAL’s management recently formed a team to “receive some offers,” which could come from foreign carriers to help the company better navigate the global aviation industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The process (of the sale) has started and there is a team handling that,” a source confirmed.

However, the Tan family “is not relinquishing control” and the size of the stake it is willing to give up depends on the offer it would get, said the source.

Instead, the Tan family is willing to sell a 20 to 25 percent stake in the airline, which would be a “minority but significant stake” and attractive enough for a new investor to come in at this time.

The family of the tobacco and airline magnate deems that now is a good time to sell, especially because PAL has been performing well.

PAL is selling but is anyone really interested? 

During the pandemic there was some chatter about virgin coconut oil being a treatment for COVID-19. Researchers are asking for more money to continue trials. 

https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/02/26/2336092/coconut-processors-want-more-funding-vco-research

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) need to fund more studies to prove the health benefits of virgin coconut oil (VCO), a coconut processors group said.

The VCO Producers and Traders Association of the Philippines (VCO Philippines) said a 2021 clinical trial on VCO as an effective adjunct treatment for COVID-19 cases in Valenzuela City has gained international publication.

The group said studies on the coconut derivative product would be a big boon to the coconut farming industry as well as the coconut processing industry, showing the multiplier effects of such government assistance to the sector.

VCO Philippines issued the call after a study spearheaded by the DOST-Food Nutrition and Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) titled, “Virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation relieves symptoms and inflammation amoing COVID-19 positive adults: A single-blind randomized trial,” was published by the Cambridge University Press on their prestigious Journal of Nutritional Science last Jan. 23.

The Journal of Nutritional Science is an international, peer-reviewed, online only, open access journal that welcomes high-quality research articles in all aspects of nutrition. The journal says that the underlying aim of all published research should be the development of nutritional concepts.

“More studies on the efficacy of VCO should be considered to determine whether VCO can provide safe and affordable adjunct therapy against viruses. This will also be valuable support for the VCO industry,” VCO Philippines said.

Certainly VCO is much safer than the gene therapy of the mRNA "vaccine."

The Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines wants to restore the direct subsidy to workers which was implemented by DOLE during the pandemic period. This they prefer over a wage hike which they say will kill jobs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/27/wearables-sector-wants-direct-gov-t-subsidy-to-workers-instead

The Confederation of Wearables Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP), the largest wearables sector group in the country, categorically said they cannot afford any wage hike and instead urged government to reactivate the inflation subsidy to workers implemented during the pandemic period to ensure continued employment of its workers, but warned they may be able to retain only 20-30 percent of its current 160,000 direct workers if the planned P100 daily wage hike gets implemented. 

CONWEP made this position clear in a letter to Malacanang on Feb. 26 and similar letters submitted to the Senate, House of Representatives, secretaries of the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as legislators pushed for P100 increase in daily minimum wage at the Senate and P350 at the House.

“We stand to lose more with wage increase of any amount,” said Maritess Jocson-Agoncillo, executive director of CONWEP, during an online press conference Tuesday, Feb. 27. 

Instead of a mandated wage hike, CONWEP would like the government to reactivate the monthly wage protection subsidy against inflation to workers of P600 to P1,000 over a period of two years. This direct subsidy to workers was implemented by DOLE during the pandemic period. 

CONWEP is asking to reimpose the subsidy or the job protection program by DOLE for two years or until 2026 for their workers as they qualify as a “distressed” industry. 

Agoncillo explained that the wearables sector is in “dire strait” even adding that its investors and buyers relayed their comments that implementing a wage hike just a few months after the last minimum salary increase took effect could be the “final nail on the coffin”.

CONWEP said that even without a wage hike, the sector is seen shedding at least 21,900 workers this year. 

According to Agoncillo, a major brand has stopped sourcing of sportswear from two factories since last year and shifted to Vietnam, resulting in more than 9,000 workers losing their jobs. 

With a mandated wage hike, Agoncillo said they fear that only 20 percent to 30 percent would be left out of its current 160,000 direct workers. More brands are also expected to shift sourcing. 

Once again we see that the post-pandemic economy is not good for everyone. However, it has been good for SM Malls.

https://www.rappler.com/business/sm-open-new-malls-2024/

The Philippines’ retail king SM Group is opening five new malls in the Philippines in 2024, two of them in Ilocos, the home region of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

The retail industry in the Philippines has rebounded big from the pandemic, with most retail businesses seeing high growth. 

“Immediately after the pandemic, people went back to the mall, flocked to the mall. Last year was a testament of that – we’re very happy with the numbers because we weren’t expecting it to be that good. We were expecting growth, definitely, but the result is very humbling, it really blew me,” Tan said. 

SM Prime Holdings had a net income of P40 billion in 2023, 33% higher than the P30 billion in 2022. Its mall business generated 56% of the company’s consolidated revenues. Mall rental income went up 24% to P61.3 billion in 2023 from P49.7 billion the year prior. 

“The favorable result we achieved in 2023 reflects the strong support and trust from our tenants and customers despite the economic challenges encountered in 2023. We continue to see this growth momentum this year as we pursue our expansion plans in our key businesses, and explore new opportunities to expand our businesses,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said on February 19. 

Yes, Filipinos love "malling."