BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — A massive fire tore through Barangay Lamion late Tuesday night, reducing an estimated 1,000 houses to ashes and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes in one of the worst fire incidents to hit the municipality in recent years.
The blaze broke out at around 10:09 p.m. on February 3 and rapidly spread through the densely populated coastal community, fueled by strong winds and tightly packed houses. Firefighters declared the incident fire-out at around 2:00 a.m. on February 4, nearly four hours after the fire began.
Despite the scale of destruction, no fatalities were reported as of this writing, according to authorities. However, the fire caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, including several footbridges, which hampered rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.
Rapid Evacuation, Multi-Agency Response
Families were evacuated both by land and sea, with affected residents immediately brought to MSU Amirbahar Gym, MSU ILS Covered Court, and the Provincial Quarantine Area, which were designated as temporary evacuation sites.
The Bongao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) activated its Incident Management Team and shifted to a Unified Command system, coordinating efforts with multiple agencies to contain the fire and respond to the emergency.
Fire suppression and rescue operations were carried out by personnel from the Bongao Central Fire Station, Bureau of Fire Protection–OPFM, municipal fire volunteers, CAAP–ARFF, and MDRRMO responders. Search, rescue, and retrieval teams from military units including 2nd Marine Brigade, MBLT-4, and MBLT-12 were also deployed.
The Philippine Coast Guard conducted sea-borne rescue and evacuation operations, while police and military units secured the area, managed traffic, and assisted in clearing access routes.
Emergency Aid and Relief Operations Ongoing
Emergency medical teams and ambulance units from the Bongao MDRRMO, Tawi-Tawi PDRRMO, and Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) were dispatched, with treatment areas established at the IPHO Covered Court. The Bongao Rural Health Unit was also deployed to evacuation centers.
Local authorities coordinated with TAWELCO to implement power interruptions for safety and to restore light utilities in evacuation sites. Portable tents, food, water, and basic relief items were distributed, with support from the Municipal Social Services and Development Office (MSSD), the provincial government, private partners such as K-Square Market, and neighboring barangays.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial reports indicating that the rapid spread was worsened by weather conditions and the structural layout of the community.
“The priority now is the safety of the affected families and the delivery of immediate assistance,” local officials said, adding that damage assessment and relief operations are continuing as reports from the ground come in.
Residents affected by the fire have been advised to proceed to the Datu Amirbahar Gymnasium at MSU-TCTO ILS for immediate assistance and coordination.
Further updates are expected as authorities complete assessments and relief efforts intensify.