The massive fire that razed the iconic Manila Central Post Office building has been declared under control by the Bureau of Fire Protection at around 7:22 a.m. Monday.

Considered a national landmark with its neoclassical architecture, the building was engulfed in fire that reportedly began around midnight.

A general alarm was called to salvage the structure which was considered a masterpiece by Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua. It began construction in 1928.

But World War 2 left it heavily damaged until it was reconstructed in 1946 

It was designed to nestle at the foot of the Pasig River, the better to transport letters via boat. It also fronted what is now known as Liwasang Bonifacio, which has access to Manila’s busiest districts then like Quiapo. Binondo and Ermita.

BFP has yet to issue a statement on the extent of damage as well the cause of the fire.

It hasn’t been used much in the past few decades as people prefer emails and other high-tech gadgets in sending messages to the traditional “snail mail.”