MANILA — A massive fire tore through the shantytown neighbourhood of Happyland, Barangay 105, Tondo, late Saturday evening, leaving more than 1,100 families homeless and prompting urgent calls for improved safety enforcement. The blaze, which ignited at around 8:28 p.m. local time in Buildings 7 and 8, spread rapidly across tightly packed structures built of plywood, corrugated metal, and other highly flammable materials.
Authorities reported that the fire was declared under control after nearly ten hours of firefighting efforts. By early Sunday morning, the inferno had been fully extinguished.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), no fatalities have been confirmed. Three people sustained injuries, likely from smoke inhalation or minor burns.
Scale of Displacement and Immediate Relief Efforts
More than 1,100 families, possibly over 5,000 individuals, are believed to have been affected. Dozens of homes were completely destroyed; many more suffered heavy damage. Displaced residents have sought shelter in multiple evacuation and relief centers including Barangay 105 Covered Court, Vicente Lim Elementary School, and Antonio Villegas High School.
Local government agencies, including the Manila Department of Social Welfare and Development, have begun distributing food, water, and emergency supplies. Manila Mayor has pledged psychosocial support and has visited the site to assess damage.
A Struggle with Urban Vulnerability
Firefighters say their efforts were hampered by narrow alleys, insufficient water access, and the flammable nature of the building materials. Volunteers and the Bureau of Fire Protection noted that these conditions are typical in many informal settlements in Manila.
Investigators are examining possible causes of the fire. Early leads include electrical faults and the high risk posed by close proximity of shanty housing and light-material construction.
Broader Context and Criticism
The incident has renewed scrutiny over building safety regulation and enforcement in Manila. August’s tragic fire in Chinatown, which killed 11 people, is recalled widely in public discourse as evidence of systemic vulnerabilities in fire safety oversight.
Media organizations have circulated powerful images and video showing families picking through charred debris, and children among the displaced. The damage has triggered both local and international concern about the plight of informal settlers and the need for stronger preventive measures.
Increasing calls for safety reforms
City authorities are now coordinating with national agencies to reinforce fire safety policies in slum areas. Relief efforts are ongoing, including aid for those displaced and damaged structures. Meanwhile, there are increasing calls for reforms: securing safer housing, improving infrastructure (especially water access and lanes for emergency vehicles), and enforcing regulations to avoid a repeat of such disasters. (zai)