Photo credit to Bongao MDRRM Office
Massive Fire Guts Nearly 1,000 Homes in Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - A large fire razed an estimated 1,000 houses in Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, late Tuesday night, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes by land and sea.
The Bongao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) Office said it received the fire call at 10:09 p.m. on February 3, 2026. The blaze quickly escalated as strong winds fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly among closely built houses.
Residents were immediately evacuated, with families temporarily sheltered at the MSU Amil Bahar Gym and the Provincial Quarantine Area. Authorities confirmed that no deaths have been reported as of this writing, though damage to property was extensive.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rescue and firefighting efforts were hampered after several footbridges were completely destroyed, limiting access for responders and making evacuation more difficult in some areas.
The Bongao Central Fire Station declared the fire under control at 2:00 a.m. on February 4, 2026, nearly four hours after it first broke out.
Local officials said assessment and validation of damages are ongoing, and additional reports are still coming in. Authorities assured the public that further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
