BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi (February 4, 2026) โ Nearly 1,000 homes were reduced to ashes after a massive fire swept through the coastal residential area of Barangay Lamion in Bongao late Tuesday, leaving around 5,000 residents homeless.
The fire, which started around 10 p.m., raged for four hours, fueled by strong winds that allowed the flames to jump rapidly between houses built mostly of light materials on stilts over water. Several wooden footbridges were destroyed, hampering fire trucksโ access and forcing firefighters to fetch water from the sea.
Bongao devastation: ‘Worst in decades’
Mayor Jimuel Que described the devastation as โthe worst in decades.โ
โLast night, our beloved Lamion went up in flames. Nearly 1,000 homes were lost overnight,โ he said.
Residents trapped on the seaward side of the village were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local security units, including MBLT-4 and MBLT-12. Evacuations also took place by land, with families brought to safer locations.
โThankfully, there were no injuries or casualties, but the trauma for those who lost everything overnight is immense,โ Que said.
โOur immediate focus is shelter, food, and medical aid.โ
Likely cause: faulty electrical wiring
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire started near dwellings by the wharf. Investigators said the blaze was likely triggered by electrical faults or cooking accidents common in informal settlements.
Initial damage estimates already exceed โฑ1 million, covering property losses alone. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Que commended the efforts of firefighters and volunteers who battled the blaze despite the difficult conditions.
โOur brave teams worked tirelessly, but the scale of the fire was overwhelming at first. Quick coordination with police and volunteers was key to saving lives,โ he said.
The local government has launched a full-scale emergency response. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is distributing aids and temporary tents to evacuees.
Que added that the LGU is coordinating with the BARMM government and NGOs for long-term support. (Photo: Facebook/ Nonoy Lacson)
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