ISABELA CITY, BASILAN — A massive fire swept through Barangay Diki on Malamawi Island on Sunday afternoon, February 15, leaving at least 105 houses damaged and hundreds of residents displaced.
According to initial reports, the blaze broke out around 3:00 p.m. in Purok 6 of Barangay Diki and quickly spread through densely packed residential structures, many of which were made of light and combustible materials. Witnesses said thick smoke and strong winds fueled the rapid advance of the flames, triggering panic and forcing families to flee their homes.
Firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), along with local disaster responders, rushed to the area to contain the blaze. After several hours of intensive firefighting, authorities were able to bring the fire under control and prevent it from reaching nearby communities.
36 Houses Partially Damaged, Assessments Ongoing
Isabela City BFP Chief Vincent Toribio said initial assessments show that out of the 105 affected houses, at least 36 sustained partial damage, while the rest were totally destroyed.
“Verification is still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and the exact number of families affected,” Toribio said, adding that investigators are working to establish the origin of the fire.
As of press time, no official report has confirmed any fatalities or serious injuries. However, authorities remain cautious as medical teams continue to monitor residents who may have suffered from smoke inhalation and trauma.
City Government Launches Rapid Response
The city government immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms, led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Response teams conducted rapid damage assessments, provided on-site medical assistance, and distributed emergency relief, including family food packs and cooked meals, to displaced residents.
Temporary shelters and evacuation areas are also being prepared to accommodate families who lost their homes, while additional relief supplies are being mobilized.
Mayor Assures Continued Support
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman personally visited the affected area to check on residents and oversee relief operations. She expressed solidarity with the victims and assured them of sustained assistance from the city government.
“We stand with our residents in Barangay Diki. The city government will continue providing all necessary support as families begin to recover and rebuild,” the mayor said.
She also directed concerned offices to fast-track assessments and ensure that no affected family is left without food, shelter, or medical care.
Residents Describe Devastation
Residents recalled how the fire engulfed the area within minutes, leaving little time to save belongings.
“Halos wala nang natira. Abong bahay na lang ang makikita,” one resident said, describing the scene after the flames were extinguished.
Drone footage taken during the incident showed large portions of the community reduced to ashes, highlighting the scale of destruction and the vulnerability of coastal and island settlements to fire disasters.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the fire. Investigators from the BFP are continuing their probe, examining possible electrical faults, open flames, or other potential triggers.
Officials urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with investigators, and follow fire safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, relief and rehabilitation operations remain in full swing as the city government and partner agencies work to help affected families rebuild their lives after one of the most destructive fires to hit Barangay Diki in recent years.