2 brothers die in Cebu fire

MANILA, Philippines — Two brothers died when a fire struck their home in Barangay Poblacion in Sibonga, Cebu at past midnight on Tuesday.

The fatalities, Kyle Dominic Geronimo, 25, and Fernando Geronimo, 26, are said to be suffering from mental illness.

Initial investigation showed that prior to the fire, a power outage occurred.

A relative of the fatalities said an unattended candle could have caused the fire.

In Zamboanga City, more than 300 families were rendered homeless when a fire hit an informal settlement yesterday.

Supt. Christopher Morales, city fire marshal, said there was no reported injury in the fire in Calle Basa, Barangay Tugbungan, which was declared out after more than two hours.

The fire reportedly started at the house owned by a certain Michael Javier.

In Davao City, more than 300 houses were destroyed in a fire in Barangay Leon Garcia in Agdao district on Tuesday.

The affected residents were taken to a barangay gymnasium and provided assistance by the city government.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire and the cost of damage. - The Freeman, Diana Lhyd Suelto, Roel Pareño