Saturday, January 3, 2026

Residential Fires December, 2025

This is a reported list of residential fires in the Philippines for December, 2025. 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. 

A total of 27 families were displaced by a fire that broke out in Sitio May Flower in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City early on Sunday morning, December 7.

Initial assessments by the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) reported that the affected individuals reached 117.

DSWS said the fire damaged at least 15 homes and partially destroyed two others.

Luckily, no one was reported injured when the fire broke out shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday.

DSWS is currently conducting profiling of the affected individuals while hot meals were already distributed Sunday morning.

According to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRMO), authorities received a call for assistance at 1:04 a.m.

The fire was raised from first to third alarm before it was finally put out at 2:13 a.m.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the early morning fire as of this posting.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/08/old-woman-dies-in-antipolo-house-fire

A 73-year-old bedridden senior citizen was killed after being trapped inside her burning house in Barangay Muntingdilaw, Antipolo City early Sunday morning, Dec. 7. 
According to the police, the victim's remains were found inside the destroyed structure after the fire quickly spread due to it being made of light materials. 
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze was raised to the second alarm at around 12:48 a.m. and was declared extinguished at around 1:38 a.m. 
Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire and amount of damage to property.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/11/22-families-lose-homes-in-bacolod-fire

Twenty-two families lost their homes and seven houses were destroyed in a fire in Barangay 9 here on Wednesday, Dec. 10. 
Fire Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, city fire marshal, said the blaze totally destroyed five and partially damaged two houses. 
Forty-one individuals were affected. 
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod received a fire call at 3:48 p.m. 
Masip said the fire originated from the second floor of a two-story house made of light materials owned by Roberto. 
The fire was placed under first alarm at 3:51 p.m. after it spread to neighboring houses as the fire wall adjacent to Roberto’s house collapsed. 
Nobody was injured in the fire. 
A family who lost their home in the fire managed to secure the remains of their deceased loved one during a wake. They moved the coffin outside their home while the fire escalated. 
Fire out was declared at 4:23 p.m. 
Damage to property was placed at P155,000. 
Arson investigators are determining the cause of the fire. 
The city government, through the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), and the Office of Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez have extended food assistance to fire victims.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/10/boy-3-dies-in-fire-sparked-by-lighted-candle

A lit candle sparked a fire inside a house in Antipolo City, Rizal, killing a three-year-old boy and injuring a senior citizen and another child on Tuesday, Dec. 9. 
According to the Antipolo City Component Police Station (Antipolo CCPS), the fire started at 12 a.m. inside the victim's house in Barangay Dela Paz. 
Based on their initial investigation, the victim was inside the house with two others, a young girl and a 62-year-old man, when the fire occurred while they were asleep. 
Authorities said a lit candle placed on top of a table near where they were sleeping suddenly fell, causing the fire that quickly spread throughout the house due to light materials. 
The senior citizen managed to seek help from neighbors, who assisted in putting out the fire. 
All three victims sustained burn injuries on different parts of their bodies. 
They were immediately rushed to the hospital. However, the three-year-old boy was declared dead on arrival.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/969292/woman-s-remains-burned-in-house-fire-at-wake/story/

A family holding a wake for a relative at their home in Cordova, Cebu was hit twice by tragedy after a fire hit their house and also burned the remains of the deceased, according to a report on "Saksi" Thursday.

One of the family members noticed the fire and attempted to put it out but failed.

A family member, a person with disability (PWD), was rescued.

However, they were not able to put out the fire.

An unattended lit mosquito coil is being investigated as one of the possible causes of the fire.


https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2154596/fire-damages-residential-area-in-mandaluyong-city

Approximately 230 families were affected while three were injured by the fire that hit a residential area in Mandaluyong City on Friday night, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection – National Capital Region (BFP-NCR). 

In its situation report, the BFP-NCR said that the fire that reached fifth alarm damaged around 200 houses, with a cost amounting to approximately P1,000,000. 

The BFP-NCR also said that the fire injured three individuals; a 51-year-old female with difficulty breathing; a 23-year-old female with first-degree burns; and a 56-year-old female with abrasion on the back.

The BFP-NCR noted that the fire originated in the second floor of a residential area located at 113 C. Fernando St., Barangay Pleasant Hills in Mandaluyong City at 6:32 p.m. The two-story building was occupied by a certain Edith Ordonez Valenzuela and her family. 

The agency reported that the first alarm was raised at 6:38 p.m. The fire eventually reached the second alarm at 6:42 p.m. The third and fourth alarm were raised at 6:54 p.m. and 7:08 p.m., respectively, before reaching the fifth alarm at 7:19 p.m. 

The blaze was declared under control at 9:10 p.m. and extinguished at 10:15 p.m.

The agency said that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/969495/fire-breaks-out-in-residential-area-in-makati/story/

A fire hit a residential area in Barangay San Isidro, Makati City before dawn on Sunday.

The affected area is on Marconi Street.

Residents woke up at 3 a.m. to the smell of smoke and they then saw the big fire raging.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the second alarm before declaring fire out past 5 a.m.

Twenty houses made of light materials were damaged by the fire, the BFP said, according to a report by Rod Vega on Super Radyo dzBB.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The buildings beside the affected area had fire walls, thus they were not damaged, Vega reported.

The BFP is still conducting an investigation to find out the cause of the fire.

However, it was reported that a resident left a stove unattended which may have sparked the fire.

The BFP advised the public to be mindful in the use of appliances to prevent fires.

 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/969490/fire-hits-residential-area-in-caloocan-city/story/

A fire broke out Saturday night in a residential area in Caloocan City, sending thick smoke over nearby homes and prompting a multi-unit response from firefighters.

A post on X by dzBB reporter Olan Bola said that the blaze broke out along Zapote Street in Barangay Bagong Barrio at around 9 p.m., causing the deployment of firefighting crews from nearby outposts.

It was reported in social media posts to have been put under control by midnight.

Authorities have yet to report on possible injuries and damage estimates.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/14/20-houses-razed-in-paco-manila-fire
A fire broke out in a residential area along Gomez Street in Paco, Manila, on Sunday, Dec. 14, destroying several homes and displacing residents. 
Authorities said the blaze started at around 11 a.m. and was declared out shortly after 12 noon. 
The incident occurred in Barangay 822, Paco. 
According to Barangay Kagawad Jay John EspaƱo, at least 20 closely built houses were razed by the fire. 
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said no injuries or fatalities were reported. 
The Manila Fire District is still determining the exact number of affected houses as well as the cause of the fire.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/18/man-girl-hurt-in-bacolod-fire

A 32-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl were injured in a fire that damaged four houses in Purok Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport here on Thursday, Dec. 18. 
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod said that the man sustained an abrasion on the left foot and the child sustained second degree burns in her lower abdomen. 
The man reportedly jumped from the window to escape his burning house. 
The blaze began at 4:11 a.m. and damaged a two-story house and three single-story structures, affecting five individuals. 
Fire out was declared at 4:33 a.m. Damage to property was P270,000. 
Barangay Captain Rosinie Distrito shared on social media that the fire occurred near their house, but they were not affected. 
Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/18/fire-hits-residential-area-in-qc

A fire broke out in a residential compound in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City early Thursday, Dec. 18. 

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was raised to 1st alarm at 5:37 a.m. and escalated to 2nd alarm at 5:54 a.m. 

The blaze was declared under control at 7:23 a.m. and was extinguished at 7:41 a.m.

Probers are now investigating the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to property


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/20/50-lose-homes-in-bacolod-fire

Twenty families or 50 individuals lost their homes in a fire in coastal Purok Tahong, Barangay 2 here on Friday morning, Dec. 19.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod reported that the fire began at 2:12 a.m. and originated from a rental property.

The fire that destroyed 26 houses immediately spread to other houses since most houses were made of light materials.

No injuries were reported. Fire out was declared at 2:47 a.m.

Damage to property was estimated at P125,000. 

Fire Officer 2 Rolin Paulan, arson investigator of BFP-Bacolod, said that a lighted candle may have caused the fire as the area has no electricity. 

Investigators are also looking at faulty electrical wiring.

Mayor Greg Gasataya has visited fire victims and assured assistance for them.

Victims received food packs and hygiene kits with additional supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after assessment.

Displaced families have been moved to a designated evacuation center at the barangay hall.

Gasataya said victims are allowed to go back to the area if they wish to still live there, but cautioned about the danger living beside the creek.

The mayor said he will coordinate with the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) to check available slots in the relocation site for those who want to transfer. 

“These are the very same people who were badly affected by the recent typhoons,” Gasataya said. "Our priority is to make sure that no one is left behind after such a traumatic event," he added.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/20/fire-hits-residential-area-in-malabon-no-injuries-reported

A fire broke out in a residential area along Gulayan Street, Barangay Concepcion, Malabon City on Saturday evening Dec. 20.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the incident was reported at around 7:34 p.m., prompting the dispatch of fire trucks. 
The fire was initially declared under first alarm at 7:44 p.m., but was subsequently raised to second alarm at 7:46 p.m. due to the situation on the ground.  
No residents or individuals were reported injured in the incident. 

Responding units arrived at the scene at 7:44 p.m. 
Further updates, including the establishment of the Incident Command Post (ICP) and the fire’s final assessment, are expected to follow.

There were also no recorded details on the property owner or the extent of structural damage as of this writing. 
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. 


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/681714/cebu-city-fire-displaces-180-individuals-days-before-christmas

Some 38 families made up of 180 individuals have been displaced by a morning fire that swept through Sitio Kauswagan in Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City, on Monday, December 22. 

And they are now bracing for the possibility of spending Christmas in temporary shelters after the blaze destroyed multiple homes, leaving several families with nothing to return to.

As of this Tuesday, December 23, the affected families are temporarily relocated at Villa Zacate Gym in the same barangay, where initial assessments, validation of affected households, and coordination for relief assistance are ongoing. 

The fire broke out at around 10:46 a.m. and rapidly spread through closely packed residential structures, according to the Cebu City Fire Station.

Firefighters raised the first alarm two minutes later and managed to bring the blaze under control by 11:30 a.m., before fully extinguishing it at 11:55 a.m.

Fire authorities reported that the blaze affected an area of about 272 square meters and caused an estimated P408,000 in damage.

A total of 12 fire trucks, two ambulances, and 15 auxiliary personnel were deployed to the scene.

One male resident sustained a burn injury during the incident, while no fatalities were reported.

Meanwhile, a separate assessment by the Cebu City Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) indicated a wider impact, reporting a total of 38 families displaced, involving 180 individuals.

Of the 27 establishments affected, 10 houses were totally burned, six were partially damaged, and two sustained slight damage.

One fire truck was also reported damaged during operations.

DSWS data showed that the displaced residents included infants, toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens.

Authorities said arrangements for temporary shelter and aid would continue as the families would begin recovery efforts days before Christmas.

Fire investigators are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.


A couple in Tondo, Manila is currently hospitalized after suffering severe burns when their house caught fire during a heated argument at the Parola Compound, Barangay 20, at around 1 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23. 
Based on the initial police investigation, the 37-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife had been drinking alcohol prior to the incident and eventually became intoxicated, leading to a verbal altercation. 
During the argument, the man allegedly poured gasoline or kerosene on the floor of their living room in an attempt to scare his wife. 
Authorities said the fire accidentally ignited when the man lit a cigarette lighter he was holding. 
The fire spread rapidly, leaving the couple unable to escape and causing severe burn injuries to various parts of their bodies. 
Despite their injuries, the man was still able to bring himself and his wife to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. 
The couple remains under medical care as authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the possible criminal liability of the man in connection with the fire.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/24/10-houses-destroyed-in-quezon-fire

Ten houses were destroyed in a four-hour fire in Barangay Sadsaran here on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 23. 
Police and firefighters responded to the fire at 1:30 p.m. It was put out at about 4 p.m. 
Residents assisted firefighters through a bucket brigade. The fire spread rapidly as houses were made of light materials. 
Arson investigation said the fire started from an electric wire that sparked near the house of one of the victims. 
No casualties were reported. Damage to property is yet to be determined. 
The Mauban-Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting follow-up investigation.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/26/neglected-mosquito-coil-causes-fire-in-sampaloc-residential-area

A total of ten families were left homeless after a fire hit several houses along Bataan corner Mindanao Street in Sampaloc, Manila, early Friday morning, Dec. 26.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started at around 3:23 a.m. and was extinguished at around 4 a.m.

Manila Fire District Station 5 Station Commander Senior Ins. Cesar Babante said five houses were destroyed in the blaze.

He added the fire did not spread to other houses further because the structures were made of concrete. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Meanwhile, arson investigators said they are looking at the possibility of a neglected mosquito coil as the cause of the fire. 

The investigation is ongoing.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/25/2-fires-hit-taguig-on-christmas-eve

Two fires hit residential areas in two barangays that left families homeless in Taguig on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. 

The Taguig City Fire Station reported that at about 7:43 p.m., a fire razed a house on Tahimik Street in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig. 

Firefighters raised the first alarm at 7:50 p.m. before the blaze was put out at 8:47 p.m. No one was affected by the fire, which was caused by an unattended lighted candle. 

A total of 11 fire trucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a rescue truck, 22 fire trucks from local government units and volunteer groups, and four ambulances responded to the incident. 

The second fire happened at about 11:59 p.m., razing a house at the corner of Infantry and Fox Streets in Barangay Post Proper Southside, Taguig. 

The first alarm was raised at 12:06 a.m. on Dec. 25 before the fire was put out at 1:19 a.m. 

Two families with four members were affected by the fire, the fire station said. Investigators are determining the cause of the fire. 

A total of 11 BFP fire trucks, a rescue truck, 15 fire trucks from local government units and volunteer groups, and three ambulances responded to the incident. 


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/27/mom-2-daughters-killed-in-leyte-fire

A 34-year-old woman and her two daughters died in a fire in Barangay District 1, Babatngon town, Leyte province, before dawn on Saturday, Dec. 27. 
Arson investigators said the victim was sleeping with her 13-year-old and eight-year-old daughters inside their house when the fire broke out at 12:30 a.m. 
Neighbors tried to put out the fire but were unsuccessful as it spread quickly. The victims were trapped inside. 
The municipal health officer pronounced the victims dead. 
Fire out was declared at 2:49 a.m. 
Damage to property was estimated at P1.3 million. 
Cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/27/marikina-fire-displaces-31-families-after-christmas

Marikina City Vice Mayor Del de Guzman said around 31 families lost their homes a day after Christmas, after a fire broke out in a residential area in Barangay Nangka, Marikina City on Friday night, Dec. 26.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started at 6:44 p.m. at 32 Avenue, Balubad Phase 2. It was raised to first alarm at 6:47 p.m. and escalated to a second alarm at 6:58 p.m.

Initial reports said the wind may have helped the fire spread, affecting around 15 houses.

Firefighters were able to put the fire out at 7:41 p.m.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Some of the affected families are now staying at the Camacho Civic Center, while others are staying at their relatives’ houses.

The local government immediately provided them with modular tents and food.

Authorities said the cause of the fire and the cost of damage are still under investigation.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/28/100-houses-destroyed-3-injured-in-pasay-fire

Three persons were injured and around 100 houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a residential area in Pasay City on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 27.

The Pasay City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said about 200 families were affected when the fire happened at around 2:16 p.m. along Virginia Street Extension, Barangay 130.

According to the BFP, the blaze quickly escalated to the third alarm and was declared under control at around 3:48 p.m.

Reports said that the firefighters encountered difficulty in containing the fire due to the narrow streets in the area.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano immediately ordered the City Social Welfare and Development Office to set up an evacuation center for the affected families.

The mayor also directed the distribution of food packs and other necessary assistance to the fire victims.

Authorities are still determining the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/27/fire-hits-houses-in-mandaluyong

A fire has hit a residential area in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on Saturday night, Dec. 27, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported. 
According to the BFP, the fire started at around 6:26 p.m. and has reached the second alarm at around 6:33 p.m. 
The third alarm was raised at 7:14 p.m. 
Firefighters were already dispatched to the area to extinguish the blaze.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/28/22-families-lose-homes-in-kabankalan-fire

Twenty-two families lost their homes in a fire on Bonifacio St., Barangay 3, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Friday, Dec. 26.

Fire Officer 1 Jesrel Gersalia, arson investigator of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kabankalan, said that 11 houses were totally destroyed, and two others were partially damaged, affecting 65 individuals.

Gersalia said that a fire call was received at 8 p.m. and the fire was declared out 30 minutes later. The blaze damaged structures made of mixed concrete and light materials situated in an alley, he added.

Arson investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Damage to property was P125,000. No injuries were reported.

Gersalia reminded the public to never leave appliances unattended when leaving their homes. He also advised them not to leave plugged extension wires and chargers.

Mayor Benjie Miranda visited the area to check and determine the extent of assistance that the city government provided to the fire victims.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) distributed relief assistance to fire victims at the Evacuation Command Center on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Assistance was composed of sleeping kits, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, family kits, and family food packs, which forms part of DSWD-NIR’s ongoing disaster response efforts to ensure the immediate safety, health, and basic needs of fire-affected families, in close coordination with the concerned local government unit.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/28/fire-hits-residential-area-in-commonwealth-qc

A fire broke out in a residential area along San Pascual Riverside Commonwealth, Quezon City on Sunday night, Dec. 28.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was raised to 1st alarm at 8:49 p.m. and escalated to 2nd alarm at 8:53 p.m. 

The blaze was raised to 3rd alarm at 9:07 p.m. escalated to 4th alarm at 9:14 p.m. 

The fire was raised to 5th alarm at 9:33 p.m. 

As of this posting, firefighters are still trying to control the blaze. 

 

https://www-abs--cbn-com.translate.goog/news/nation/2025/12/30/18-bahay-nasunog-sa-makati-23-pamilya-apektado-0815?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_hist=true

A fire broke out on Sgt. Fabian Yabut Street, Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati City on Monday night, December 29, affecting at least 18 houses.

Based on a report from the Bureau of Fire Protection-Makati, the fire was recorded at 8:11 pm and was immediately raised to first alarm. 

A few minutes later, it was raised to second and third alarms due to the extent of the fire. 

The fire was declared under control at around 8:51 p.m., and the fire was completely extinguished at 9:41 p.m.

The fire destroyed a residential area. No one was reported dead or injured in the incident.

According to Fire Inspector Marc Niko Cando, Acting Chief of Operations of the Makati City Fire Station, firefighters responded quickly to the area.

"We have no casualties," said Cando.

The official also reminded the public to remain alert and immediately call the emergency hotline in case of a fire.

Meanwhile, according to the Makati Social Welfare Department, those affected by the fire were temporarily taken to the Guadalupe Nuevo Covered Court. Twenty-three families or 98 individuals were listed at the evacuation center, as of 1:30 a.m.

Some of the victims were already resting in their homes. According to Mildred Manlapaz, they were shocked to hear the screams.

“I was just watching TV… suddenly someone ran with a fire, shouting 'Fire!' so I just ran away. There was gunfire, there was smoke,” he said.

He added that he had saved almost nothing. “This is all I brought, clothes. I didn't take anything,” he said, adding that he didn't expect this to happen to them, especially since he was still preparing for the New Year.

Another resident, Ma. Estrella Caparas, said they first smelled smoke before finally seeing the fire.

“I looked at our ceiling, and smoke was coming in from outside. The fire was coming out. The fire was really raging,” he said. They only saved a wallet and a few IDs.

According to Rabboni Saipudin of the Makati Social Welfare Department, not all those affected remained in the evacuation center because some went to stay with relatives.

"Not everyone, I think, because some of them stayed with their relatives outside the evacuation center," he explained.

He said the local government has also provided tents and non-food items, and a medical team from the Makati Health Department has been deployed for immediate medical assistance. An ocular inspection of the area will also be conducted to determine other needs of the fire victims.

"Makati LGU is providing financial assistance to fire victims," ​​according to Saipudin.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and the total cost of the damage.


https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/971203/fire-hits-4-houses-eatery-in-iloilo-city-2-dogs-perish/story/

A fire destroyed four houses and an adjacent eatery in Iloilo City past 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, and killed two dogs. 

Within 30 minutes, three houses were destroyed while one was partially gutted in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao District.

An adjacent eatery was also gutted in the incident, including a portion of a parked backhoe.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started in the kitchen of one of the houses due to a leaking liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank.

"May nag-leak sa kanilang LPG tank. Lumaki ang apoy, tinangka nilang apulahin ang apoy ngunit mabilis itong lumaki at hindi na kinaya,” said SFO1 Denmark Macoco, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of BFP Iloilo City.

The house owner, identified only as a certain “Procopio,” said that the LPG tank was in flames all of a sudden. 

He sustained burns on an arm when he attempted to put out the fire.

“Bigla na lang lumaki ang apoy. Hindi talaga kaya. Isasara ko sana, wala na talaga,” Procopio said.

A family went emotional over the loss of their two pet dogs that were trapped in the fire.

According to the BFP, damage was estimated to have reached over P100,000.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/30/9-families-homeless-in-rizal-day-fire

Nine families or 23 individuals lost their homes in a fire on Rizal Day in Barangay 31 here. 
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod said the fire was reported at 5:33 p.m. and it allegedly originated from the house of a certain Eda. 
Six houses were totally damaged and one industrial structure was partially damaged. 
Damage to property was placed at P75,000. No injuries were reported. 
Fire out was declared at 6:01 p.m. Arson investigators are probing the cause of the blaze.


https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/31/3-hurt-in-new-years-eve-fire-in-bacolod

Three persons were injured in a fire in Purok Riverside, Barangay Banago, this city, on New Year's Eve. 
Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said the fire originated from a hardware store at 8:35 a.m. 
The fire immediately spread to neighboring structures, including two houses made of light materials. 
Tapiru said that two individuals were injured and recuperating in a hospital. 
Damage to property was P300,000. Fire out was declared at 8:57 a.m. 
Tapiru said they are probing the cause of the fire. One of them is an alleged butane refilling station. 
On Tuesday afternoon, a fire struck Barangay 31 here. Six structures were damaged.

That is 28 reported incidents for December. Remember, these are only the major fires reported in the national media. Residential fires are up all across the nation and they do not all make the news. This is the tip of the iceberg concerning the real situation in the Philippines. 

Friday, January 2, 2026

Retards in the Government 450

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

 

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2159210/cop-nabbed-after-firing-at-minors-over-firecracker-noise-in-paraaque

A rookie cop fired shots in front of three minors over their firecracker noise in ParaƱaque City on Wednesday night, according to authorities.

According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the incident, which caused “fear, shock, and emotional distress” to the minors aged 10, 12, and 15 years old, occurred along Culdesac Road in Sun Valley village.

“The incident stemmed from the minors’ noise and use of firecrackers,” the NCRPO said in a statement.

The suspect, whom the NCRPO did not identify, allegedly confronted the children, drew his 9mm pistol issued by Philippine National Police (PNP), and fired shots indiscriminately in front of them.

The 28-year old patrolman was arrested in the early hours of Thursday, Christmas Day.

Seized from the suspect were one PNP-issued firearm with one magazine loaded with three bullets; one empty cartridge case of a 9mm firearm; and a PNP identification card.

The suspect is currently under police custody and will face criminal complaints, while parallel administrative proceedings are set to be initiated in accordance with existing PNP rules and regulations.

The cop is facing a complaint of grave threats in relation to Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and violation of RA No. 11926 (Indiscriminate Discharge of Firearms). 

A rookie cop has been arrested for firing shots in front of three minors over their firecracker noise.

A former barangay captain was gunned down by his younger brother, the incumbent village head, in Barangay Sagneb, this town, on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. 
Police Capt. Donaldson Palaganan, acting chief of the Bantay Municipal Police Station, said the victim Ben, 46, was shot at around 9:20 a.m. near the residence of the suspect Lito, 39. 
Palaganan said Ben was riding a modified tricycle with a companion when they stopped near the suspect’s house. 
The victim alighted from the tricycle and the suspect who was reportedly preparing food for a Christmas gathering suddenly approached him armed with a .45 caliber pistol. 
A heated argument erupted and suspect fired at the victim until he ran out of bullets. The suspect was later pacified by their sister. The victim's companion sought help from his father. 
The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. The suspect surrendered and turned over the gun to the police. 
Palaganan said they are looking at old grudge as possible motive for the killing.
A former barangay captain was gunned down by his younger brother, the incumbent village head, in Barangay Sagneb, this town, on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/27/8-cops-in-trouble-for-alleged-robbery-during-pasig-city-anti-illegal-drugs-operation

Police Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), has placed under restrictive custody eight anti-narcotics policemen for alleged involvement in robbery during the conduct of an operation in Pasig City.

Aberin said all the cops involved are from the District Drug Enforcement Unit of the Eastern Police District and were already disarmed after they were named in the complaint for robbery

“This is part of our commitment to discipline and accountability within the organization. The NCRPO maintains a firm policy against any form of abuse of authority, misconduct, or deviation from police operational procedures,” said Aberin as he also ordered for a thorough investigation into the incident that happened at 2 p.m. on Dec. 26 in Barangay Palatiw.

Based on the report, the eight policemen entered a residential house in search of a suspected drug personality.

The occupants of the house later claimed that the policemen took some personal belongings which prompted them to seek assistance from the Pasig City Police Station.

During verification, Aberin said there were no official documents presented to support the conduct of a legitimate anti-illegal drugs operation in the area.

He said all those involved in the operation were immediately placed under police custody at the Pasig City Police Station and are set to undergo inquest proceedings today.

“The authority vested in every police officer carries with it a higher level of responsibility. At the NCRPO, we will not tolerate abuse of authority and instead, we will hold all those responsible accountable for violation of our procedures and of the law,” said Aberin. 

Eight cops have been arrested for robbery during an anti-drug operation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2160867/doj-payroll-officer-faces-theft-graft-raps-for-diverting-funds

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday vowed to tighten its internal measures after one of its payroll officers was arrested for allegedly diverting millions of pesos in public funds to new bank accounts he had opened.

DOJ spokesperson Raphael Niccolo Martinez said the justice department “takes very seriously” the arrest of one of its employees. He added that the DOJ would extend its full cooperation to the National Bureau of Investigation and other authorities in pursuing the case.

“The DOJ remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public resources, and will continue to strengthen internal controls to ensure that a similar situation does not occur in the future,” Martinez said in a statement. 

He did not identify the employee involved, although NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari earlier said in an ABS-CBN interview that the DOJ staff member was an administrative officer assigned to handle the payroll of regional prosecutors.

The suspect allegedly reinstated the payroll accounts of resigned and retired regional prosecutors and transferred the benefits credited to those accounts to new bank accounts he had opened.

The DOJ employee is facing charges of malversation of public funds, qualified theft, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Access Devices Regulation Act, computer-related fraud and forgery, and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

A Department of Justice payroll officer was arrested for allegedly diverting millions of pesos in public funds to new bank accounts he had opened.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1265933

The former chief of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group's (PNP-HPG) Investigation Management Division is facing criminal and administrative complaints for allegedly assaulting a rookie officer over a parking dispute.

In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said they have filed physical injury and grave threat charges against Col. Helson Walin before the Quezon City Prosecutors' Office.

Walin is also facing an administrative case before the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS).

Marantan said the development would put an end to allegations that he was favoring Walin, his classmate at the PNP Academy.

"So that's good because there were insinuations. I can't dismiss that, so that's okay. The ball is no longer with the HPG anymore," he added.

Reports said Walin allegedly kicked, pointed a firearm, and hit the head and upper lip of the patrolman with the end of a firearm. The incident was caught on video, which eventually circulated online.

The injuries sustained by the rookie officer, who is assigned to the Intelligence Branch of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-National Capital Region, were confirmed through a medico-legal examination.

The victim said the incident happened on Dec. 16 while he was walking inside the camp after attending to a vehicle with a tire lock. He claimed that the officer suddenly got out of his vehicle, loaded his firearm, pointed it at him and kicked him.

The victim said the encounter lasted nearly 30 minutes and involved verbal threats, punches and kicks. He also denied blocking the officer’s path and said they had no prior personal interaction.

The former chief of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group's Investigation Management Division is facing criminal and administrative complaints for allegedly assaulting a rookie officer over a parking dispute.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2161541/2-soldiers-7-others-arrested-for-alleged-links-to-illegal-mining

Two Army intelligence operatives were arrested for escorting two pick-up trucks carrying 60 sacks of gold ore worth P300,000 in Opol town, Misamis Oriental, last Monday.

Captain Jhorlind Rico Apal, commander of the police Regional Mobile Force Battalion, said they intercepted the vehicles—a JMC Grand Avenue (plate ZAB 8446) and a Toyota Hilux (plate MGH 811)—at a checkpoint in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Limonda, Opol.

“Both pick-ups were loaded with alleged minerals transported from Barangay Limonda, a known site for illegal mining activities,” Apal said.

He identified the soldiers as Staff Sgt. Norman Quilatan, 47, of Tagum City, and Staff Sgt. Ernesto Warain Jr., 46. Both are members of the Army’s Military Intelligence Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division.

Authorities also seized two Glock 17 pistols with magazines from the soldiers, standard-issue firearms for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Apal added that seven companions, including the pick-up drivers, were also arrested.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional director Rodante Felina said they are investigating reports that rampant gold mining operations in the area are being protected by local politicians in Misamis Oriental.

The two soldiers and their companions were detained at the Opol town jail after cases were filed against them for violating the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Two Army intelligence operatives were arrested for escorting two pick-up trucks carrying 60 sacks of gold ore worth P300,000 in Opol town, Misamis Oriental, last Monday.

A former municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija was arrested in a sting in Talavera town yesterday morning.

Marvin Parinas, former mayor of Sto. Domingo town, was arrested in Barangay Calipahan, according to Col. Heryl Bruno, Nueva Ecija police director.

Parinas was arrested after he allegedly sold an undetermined amount of shabu to police officers who posed as buyers of illegal drugs.

Probers said the arresting team reportedly seized shabu with an estimated street value of P476,000 and the marked money from Parinas.

Charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against Parinas, according to Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio PeƱones, Central Luzon police director.

A former municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija was arrested in a sting in Talavera town yesterday morning.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Coronavirus Lockdown: Soil Engineering, Food Service Sales, and More!

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

Tourism levels are still short of the 2019 recorded levels prior to the pandemic but the DOT aims to fix that by luring more Chinese tourists next year through the introduction of the e-visa. 


https://ibctv13.com/dot-logs-5-6m-tourists-expects-return-of-chinese-market-in-2026/

The Philippines has recorded 5.6 million in foreign visitor arrivals as of Dec. 20, nearly equal to the inbound figures it logged in 2024.

The number remains short of the 2019 recorded levels prior to the pandemic, but the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday expressed optimism for 2026 as the country anticipates an increase in the Chinese market with the recently resumed e-Visa for China.

Data showed that China ranked sixth in tourist arrivals with 262,144, behind South Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada – a performance, the DOT said, was “largely influenced by visa disruptions, security perceptions, and limited air connectivity.”

Tourism AttachƩ to China Ireneo Reyes said the reintroduction of the Philippine e-Visa in November marks a critical step toward restoring confidence and easing travel for Chinese tourists, with stronger gains expected in early 2026.

“The e-Visa resumption is a critical step forward and a clear signal that the Philippines is open, ready, and eager to welcome our Chinese friends,” he said.

“While the timing meant that its full benefits could not be felt within the peak booking periods of 2025, we expect a more visible impact beginning the first quarter of 2026.”

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier attributed to the suspension of e-Visa and weak Korean won the decrease in Chinese and Korean arrivals –the country’s top markets prior to the pandemic.

The DOT added that recovery was “constrained by reduced flight capacity, with China-Philippines routes operating at only about 45 percent of pre-pandemic levels,” but engagements with airlines and aviation stakeholders are ongoing “to gradually restore routes and seat capacity.”

“The Department is working closely with aviation and tourism stakeholders to gradually rebuild connectivity and confidence,” it said.

“With China being one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets, improving air connectivity presents a major opportunity.”

Despite budget constraints and market-specific challenges, the agency said Philippine tourism remains resilient, generating PHP3.86 trillion in receipts in 2024 and supporting 6.75 million of tourism-related job for Filipinos.

“The DOT remains optimistic that improved access, safety measures, and connectivity will drive a stronger rebound of the Chinese market and help lift overall arrival figures moving forward,” it said.

While the e-Visa will make it easier to enter the Philippines that doesn't change the fact it's still the Philippines with all that entails!

The learning crisis sparked by the pandemic is far from over say some experts. 


https://www.sunstar.com.ph/amp/story/cebu/tell-it-to-sunstar-learning-crisis-in-philippine-schools-is-far-from-over

The release of the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) 2024 results offers a sobering reminder that the region’s learning crisis is far from over. While there are modest signs of improvement in mathematics across Southeast Asia, progress in reading has largely stalled. For the Philippines, the findings point to persistent weaknesses -- and widening inequalities -- that demand urgent, targeted action.

Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development. Foundational skills in reading and mathematics shape not only children’s success in school, but also their future participation in the economy and society. When these skills are not firmly established in the early grades, learning gaps tend to compound, limiting opportunities well beyond the classroom.

SEA-PLM assesses reading, writing and mathematical literacy among Grade 5 students across six Southeast Asian countries. In 2024, a key technical change was introduced: the benchmark for minimum proficiency was recalibrated from Band 6 to Band 5. Students reaching Band 5 and above are now considered to meet the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goal indicator for learning outcomes at the end of primary education (SDG 4.1.1b).

Even under this revised benchmark, the results for the Philippines remain deeply concerning.

Across participating countries, 53 percent of Grade 5 students meet the minimum proficiency level in reading. In the Philippines, only 27 percent do so -- an improvement from 22 percent in 2019, but still leaving nearly three out of four children below the expected level. While the share of higher-performing students has increased slightly, the proportion of learners in the lowest bands has barely changed, suggesting that learning opportunities are becoming more unequal rather than more inclusive.

The picture is similar in mathematics. Regionally, 66 percent of students meet the minimum proficiency standard. In the Philippines, only 46 percent do -- up from 35 percent in 2019, yet still below the majority threshold. Alarmingly, the proportion of students in the very lowest proficiency band has remained unchanged since 2019, indicating that the most vulnerable learners are not benefiting from overall gains.

Perhaps the most troubling message of SEA-PLM 2024 lies beneath the averages. Learning gaps remain stark and persistent. Students from low-income households, rural communities and disaster-prone areas continue to lag far behind their more advantaged peers. The pandemic did not create these inequalities, but it clearly magnified existing structural weaknesses -- unequal access to learning resources, uneven teacher deployment, and disparities in school leadership and support.

For the Philippines, a country regularly affected by typhoons, floods and other climate-related shocks, learning recovery cannot be treated as a uniform national process. Equity-focused interventions will be essential if recovery efforts are to reach those children who have lost the most.

While the SEA-PLM 2024 report provides a valuable descriptive overview of learning outcomes, it also highlights a critical gap: we still know too little about why some schools and students perform better than others. Which school-level factors matter most? How much do teacher qualifications, instructional practices, language of instruction, or parental engagement contribute to learning success?

Answering these questions requires deeper, more sophisticated analysis of the rich SEA-PLM data -- going beyond national averages and headline indicators. Without this, education reforms risk remaining well-intentioned but blunt, unable to address the root causes of underperformance.

As Southeast Asian countries work to rebuild more resilient and equitable education systems, measurement alone is not enough. What matters now is how seriously governments, researchers and development partners engage with the data -- and how boldly they translate evidence into targeted action. For the Philippines, the opportunity remains open. The data is there. The question is whether it will be used to its full potential.

There was a learning crisis before the pandemic so its no big secret that students continue to underperform. 

During the pandemic one resourceful Filipino decided to develop his cacao farm and increase its yield. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2159960/soil-engineering-allows-agriculture-to-flourish-in-agusan-del-sur
Young farmer-entrepreneur Japhet Gupit Tabale, owner of Cacao Prince products, is proving that agriculture and technology can thrive together as he uses artificial intelligence (AI) to market and expand his cacao business across the country.

A graduate of business administration and computer science, the Bayugan City native integrated e-commerce and AI into their family’s third-generation cacao enterprise that was started in the 1970s by his grandmother.

The 2.5-hectare farm in the mountain village of Magkiangkang now focuses on hybrid cacao varieties that produce bigger beans, hence a higher yield, and have stronger resistance to pests.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed Tabale to employ technology aggressively to reach target customers among cafĆ©s, “sikwate” (native chocolate) shops and individuals who are fond of chocolates, as businesses struggled with the lockdowns.

Before the pandemic, Tabale was selling around 30 kilos of “tablea” every month. Today, demand has climbed to 300 kilos monthly and, by next year, could reach 500 kilos. Hence, he is seeking to expand his supply of cacao beans by setting up a buying center in Bayugan, offering farmers a stable business relationship and fair pricing.

Tabale’s innovative business approach earned him the National Young Farmers Challenge Upscale Award in 2023, securing nearly P1 million to further develop his farm. He is also one of the Rural Agro-Enterprise and Productivity Innovation Development Youth Champions of the Department of Trade and Industry in Agusan del Sur.

To help expand his production, Tabale joined the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) program of the provincial government, availing of aid to develop an additional hectare of cacao.

Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. always cites the role of young innovators like Tabale in strengthening the province’s agriculture for which it has vast potential, given a land area of close to a million hectares.

“To keep up with the demands of the times, we need to tailor-fit our agricultural system to the latest technologies and innovations,” Cane points out.

He emphasizes the need for generational transition as the bulk of farmers in the province are already way past 50 years old.

Here, leaders in the province hinge their hopes on the youth, confident that with the right motivation, they will take up the challenge of reimagining farming to achieve, among others, food security amid disruptions wrought by climate change.

“We must groom a new breed of farmers who understand both the science of agriculture and the urgency of climate adaptation,” says Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza, who has been pushing for innovation-driven farming. “The future of agriculture depends on the youth who will sustain and lead it forward,” he adds.

Now he's on the forefront of Philippine agricultural innovation. 

The following headline must be a typo. They must mean 2026 rather than 2025. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/31/philippine-food-service-sales-set-to-return-to-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2025
The Philippines’ food service industry is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels beginning this year, with sales on an upswing as restaurants expand to take advantage of consumers dining out more frequently, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 
In a Dec. 30 report, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Manila estimates that the country’s food service sales this year would grow by eight percent to $14 billion from around $13 billion last year.
If this forecast is realized, it would mean that the food service industry is back to the $14 billion in sales recorded in 2019, or the year before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
The USDA expects growth to continue into next year, with sales forecast to increase by 10 percent to around $15.4 billion. 
“This sales growth in 2025 and 2026 is driven by the expansion of quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains and international restaurant concepts, which are increasing their market presence by opening new outlets,” the report read. 
“As consumers increasingly seek convenince and prioritize experiential dining, the hotel, restaurant, and institutional sectors are thriving, even in the face of inflationary pressures,” it added. 
Despite the Philippine economy being projected to grow at a slower pace amid domestic and external headwinds, the USDA said consumer spending on food remains robust, supported by a higher employment rate and a growing middle class. 
The foreign agency said this results in “increased frequency and spending on food options at food service establishments.” 
A booming tourism sector, the popularity of online deliveries, and even the recent debut of Michelin Guide are all expected to drive sales next year. 
The USDA said the majority of consumers eat at limited-service restaurants (LSRs), which represent more than half of food service sales, or 61 percent of the total. 
LSRs, which include fast-food establishments, are projected to post a 10-percent growth in sales next year to $9.52 billion from this year’s $8.64 billion. 
“Market trends include ongoing expansion into untapped areas, the rise of value-for-money menu options, and digital marketing innovations, while major players such as Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) and McDonald’s continue to drive the sector’s rapid development,” the report read. 
Full-service restaurants (FSRs), which account for 15 percent of industry sales, are expected to hit $2.18 billion next year, up three percent from $2.11 billion this year. 
The foreign agency said the arrival of new international players, the development of innovative restaurant concepts, and increasing consumer demand for unique dining experiences are among the growth drivers for this segment. 
Meanwhile, street stalls and kiosks are seen growing five percent to $1.97 billion next year from $1.88 billion as demand for quick and affordable food and beverage options remains strong. 
Street stalls and kiosks, which include the likes of Angel’s Burger Group, Potato Corner, and Fruitas Holdings Inc., account for 13 percent of food service sales. 
Cafes and bars make up the remaining 11 percent of industry sales, with growth next year pegged at $1.74 billion from this year’s $1.63 billion. 
“This segment is driven by rising consumer mobility, the popularity of specialty coffee and tea shops, and the growing influence of Millennials and Gen Z, who are fueling demand for innovative beverages and cafĆ© experiences,” the USDA said.
Or perhaps they haven't finished counting all the receipts yet.