Five children killed in Tondo fire before New Year revelry

A fire broke out on the third floor of a residential building in Tondo, Manila, on Monday night, claiming the lives of five children who were trapped inside.

According to arson investigator SFO3 Sergio Pangan Jr., the fire started at 10:39 p.m. on Monday along Varona corner Malvar St., Barangay 97.

The casualties include three females and two children, all found dead on the terrace of their burnt house

Neighbors said the children had been left by their mother, who was selling fruit in Divisoria, Manila, when the fire started. The father works abroad.

The fire was declared out at 11:25 p.m.

Manila Police District investigator PSSg. Kennedy Arellano said the Bureau of Fire Protection will release an official report on the cause of the fire.