5 killed in huge Benguet forest fire

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – The bodies of 5 men were recovered after a huge forest fire engulfed Eastern Saddle in Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet before noon Wednesday, February 20.

The bodies were all brought to the Philex Mines Sto Niño Hospital.

Four of the dead are Philex Mines foresters identified as Constantino Molina, Daniel Degyem, Dexter Labasan, and Marlon Guiniguin. A resident, Leon Mocate Sr, also perished in the fire.

According to Acting Benguet Provincial Fire Marshall Nestor Gorio, the fire started at Eastern Sal-angan at about 1:30 pm Wednesday and engulfed about 6 hectares. The fire was stopped at 6 pm.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said the fire also affected power in Benguet after it hit its facility in Sal-angan, Ampucao. Power was restored after 6 pm. – Rappler.com