Bohol Sunday Post | April 19, 2009

Ubay Mayor Eutiquio Bernales immediately facilitated the release of calamity fund for the fire victims in the Good Friday tragedy that broke at 3:45 a.m..

Bernales also immediately convened the Municipal Disaster and Coordinating Council, which he chairs, and designated Ramon Magsaysay Center as the temporary crisis center and shelter for the victims.

In assistance, Governor Erico Aumentado also released funds for the fire victims from the provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development office.

The mayor personally saw the fire as it devoured the 22 residential houses and business establishments along the wharf road, in Poblacion area, Ubay.

F/Supt. Nonilo Acero, BFP provincial fire marshal, estimated the damage at about P3 million.

Initial investigation disclosed that the fire started at Bryan Fishing Supply owned by Bryan Longos, triggered by a convenience electrical outlet.

Firefighters from Ubay station, headed by SF03 Adriano Batingal Jr. responded to the alarm, while the municipal police team, led by the chief of police P/CINSP Lorenzo Batuan, manned the traffic and secured the area to protect the lives of residents in the area, the onlookers and their properties.

It took firefighters two hours to control the fire, with reinforcement from Talibon, Tubigon, Carmen, Jagna, Valencia, Clarin and Tagbilaran City fire stations.

Consequently, a team from Alturas came with their water tankers to augment the firefighters, as the ground commander declared general alarm, considering the type of construction materials involved and the nearby gasoline station.

The contiguity of the houses and buildings in the area allowed an easy way for the fire to light one house to the next with the aid of the wind.