7,123 residents affected in Parola Compound fire, appeal for help

At least 7,123 residents, or around 2,000 families, were left homeless after a massive fire tore through Parola Compound near Gate 46 in Delpan, Binondo, Manila on Saturday, May 23, as displaced residents cry out for help.

The fire was first verified at around 3 p.m. before being raised to first alarm at 3:03 p.m.

It quickly escalated to second alarm at 3:05 p.m., third alarm at 3:10 p.m., fourth alarm at 3:21 p.m., and fifth alarm at 3:53 p.m.

Authorities elevated the incident to Task Force Alpha at 4:00 p.m., followed by Task Force Bravo at 4:13 p.m., before reaching Task Force Charlie at around 5:19 p.m. as flames rapidly spread across the densely packed residential area.

Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze as it tore through closely built homes, with operations continuing overnight.

The fire was finally declared out at 1:16 a.m. on Sunday.

Initial reports showed that 1,266 structures were destroyed in the blaze.

Among the displaced are 310 senior citizens and more than 2,700 minors, underscoring the scale of the impact on vulnerable groups.

Despite the magnitude of the fire, authorities have not reported any fatalities or injuries as of this writing.

Thousands of affected residents have been directed to the Delpan Sports Complex for temporary shelter, where local authorities are assisting.

However, some families remained on nearby streets near the fire scene, attempting to salvage whatever belongings they could from the debris.

The Manila local government, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has rolled out financial assistance and relief operations for affected families, especially those who spent the night exposed after losing their homes.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire and are continuing to assess the full extent of damage, as urgent calls for aid persist for the thousands displaced by the blaze. — Diann Calucin

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