By Nef Luczon

CITY FIRE. A fire of still unknown origin destroyed a commercial building in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday (March 19, 2026). Initial fire damage was pegged at PHP3 million. (Photo courtesy of Mildred Bete)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – An estimated PHP3 million in property damage was initially reported by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following a fire that destroyed a commercial building in this city on Thursday.

Initial report by BFP Fire Officer Chester Adrian Galarion stated that the fire broke out in a hardware shop owned by one Edward Sia, located along the national highway in Barangay Lapasan.

Although no one was injured or killed, one family in the neighboring community was affected and has already been referred to the barangay government for assistance.

Fire Chief Inspector Louis Roy Solamo, in an interview, said the damage could reach as much as PHP6.4 million once the investigation into the cause of the incident is completed.

Investigators also did not rule out the possibility of arson.

“There are 13 fire units (that) responded, including those fire volunteers,” Solamo said. (PNA)