The fire has taken the houses, appliances, and other things that happened to the residents in Sitio Marabajay, Barangay Rio Tuba. According to the Bataraza Municipal Fire Station (MFS), there were 150 individuals affected by the fire incident and burned down 44 houses.

In an interview, FO1 Jimark Alejo that was conducted by the palawan-news on April 30, that the cause of the fire wasn’t known yet. They have responded to the area immediately after they received a call. They have brought two firetrucks but have been troubled about extinguishing the fire due to the houses that are made of light materials. The fire lasted about two hours.

“Nagpatakbo agad tayo pagkatapos na makatanggap ng tawag. Maliban sa atin ay nagpadala rin ng water tanker ang barangay, at may dalawa rin galing sa RTN at isa sa CBNC. As we all know, dalampasigan ito, sa gilid ng aplaya pero ginawa naman natin ang lahat para lang maapula ang sunog,” Alejo said.

“Hanggang ngayon, ang opisina natin ay nakikipag-uugnayan pa sa mga residente ng Marabajay,” he added.

The residents were evacuated and received different help from government agencies in Bataraza, private sectors, organizations, and individuals. They have received food packs and meals, rice, relief good, and other necessities.

On May 1, Palugaw and Relief Good were spearheaded by Congresswoman Beng Abueg-Zaldilar and Councilor Chito Dela Chica with the efforts of Airforce Squadron Reserve, the Barangayanihan Ayuda by the Palawan Provincial Office (PPO), and Philippine Red Cross. The affected individuals have been given lugaw, food packs, groceries, clothes, water, and others. The Philippine Marines and Naval Reservists volunteered in their “Oplan Taga Buhat” and assist in ground helping in the evacuation center.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office distributed the preposited food packs by the staff of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). There were 43 food packs including hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, and sleeping kits. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has given Malongs (a traditional Filipino rectangular or tube-like wraparound skirt bearing a variety of geometric or okir designs). The distribution was spearheaded by PDRRMO Jerry Alili with Barangay Captain Nelson Acob, MDRRMO, Rescue 165 Bataraza, MSWD Officer, and the Philippine Marines.

In the evacuation area, there was a community kitchen pantry that was opened for the fire victims. The “Chef Aiza’s Community Kitchen” in partnership with the Palawan State University, Philippine Coast Guard, 4rth AFWR, Air Reserve Center, Palawan Crafts Cafe, and JCI Puerto Princesa Oil.

The victims were also given cash assistance that was distributed by the Barangay Captain Nelson D. Acob, along with the Rio Tuba Council, DILG Bataraza Engineer Ricardo Tungpalan.

On behalf of the victims in the fire and the barangay officials, the Barangay Rio Tuba has posted their thankful message for the sponsors, organizations, government agencies that have extended and helped the victims. On their Facebook page of barangay Tuba, they stated that “Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng nag paabot at patuloy pa ring nag bibigay ng tulong sa mga biktima ng sunog mula sa malalaking kompanya hanggang sa mga individual na nag papaabot ng tulong lubos ang tuwa at pasasalamat ang naisasambit ng mga biktima ng nakaraang sunog na hanggang sa ngayon ay hirap paring tanggapin na wala na ang kanilang kabuhayan at patuloy na lumalaban upang muling makabangon at makapag simula sa panibagong hamon ng buhay..Kaya natin ito kabarangay”.