4 killed in Makati fire

MANILA, Philippines - Four persons, including an elderly couple, were reportedly killed when a fire broke out at a residential area in Makati City early yesterday morning. City fire marshal Ric Perdigon initially identified two of the fatalities as Renato Gregorio and Miranda Veneranda Padilla. Perdigon said Padilla was burned beyond recognition and was only identified by her husband, who managed to escape unscathed. After putting out the blaze, firefighters discovered two charred bodies of an old man and woman believed to be that of Padilla’s parents-in-law Jose Padilla, 77, and Dolores, 75. Initial investigation showed that the fire started in Gregorio’s house at 4041 Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Singkamas at 5:05 a.m. The fire quickly spread to adjoining houses in the area. The fire razed at least 300 houses, according to Perdigon. He said the fire reached Task Force Charlie before it was declared under control after more than two hours. - By Mike Frialde