Four-Hour Inferno Rages Through Coastal Village in Tawi-Tawi
A catastrophic fire tore through Lamion, a coastal village in Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi, on Tuesday evening, February 3, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The blaze, which raged for approximately four hours, resulted in the complete destruction of an estimated 1,000 houses on stilts, primarily constructed from light and flammable materials. This devastating incident has displaced around 5,000 individuals, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Timeline and Challenges of the Blaze
According to the Bongao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), the fire ignited at 10:09 p.m. on February 3. Fanned by strong winds prevalent in the coastal area, the flames spread with alarming speed, quickly engulfing the densely packed stilt houses. The intensity of the fire and the structural layout of the village presented significant obstacles for emergency responders.
Rescue and firefighting operations were severely hampered as the inferno also destroyed a number of critical foot bridges that connect the homes over the water. This damage isolated sections of the community and made access for firefighters and rescue teams exceedingly difficult. Despite these challenges, authorities managed to evacuate all affected families via both land and sea routes. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported from the incident, a testament to the swift evacuation efforts.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Investigations
The Bongao Central Fire Station officially declared the fire under control around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4. In the aftermath, investigations are actively ongoing to determine the precise cause and origin of the blaze. Authorities are also working to assess the total estimated worth of the properties damaged, which is expected to be substantial given the scale of destruction.
The Municipal Government of Bongao has mobilized all available local resources and has called upon the assistance of other government agencies to provide aid to the thousands of displaced residents. Primary relief operations are now in full swing, with coordination efforts involving the Bangsamoro’s Ministry of Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi.
Shelter and Support for the Displaced
Currently, the displaced families are being temporarily housed at two designated evacuation sites:
- The Mindanao State University (MSU) Amilbahar Gym
- The MSU-Integrated Laboratory School
These facilities are providing essential shelter as the community begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The focus remains on ensuring the safety, health, and basic needs of all affected individuals while plans for more permanent solutions are developed.
