President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo extended her sincerest sympathies and condolences to the families of the fire victims that hit Barangay 19, Bacolod City, Undersecretary and Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. said yesterday.

Despite his  hectic schedule, Golez arrived last night to personally visit and meet with the family of the victims and to make his personal assessment on whatever assistance he may extend them.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, VCongressional candidate Ricardo “Cano” Tan and mayoralty candidate Vladimir Gonzales were also at Brgy. 19 yesterday to distribute relief assistance to the fire victims.

The Bacolod City Disaster Coordinating Council headed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia was very thankful for the emergency lighting equipments donated by the National Disaster Coordinating Council, through the efforts of Golez, when he was still the Deputy Administrator of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, that helped save more lives during the fire.

The H.O.P.E. for a Better Bacolod Volunteers, inspired by the leadership and example of Golez extended its humanitarian efforts in coordination with the Barangay Officials of Barangay 19 headed by Barangay Captain Jocelyn Uychiat and the City Government officials. The volunteers also visited the victims and offered their condolences and prayers.

Meanwhile, Arman Lozada, 28, of Barangay 19, said he was released by the police yesterday because of the fire incident that gutted his house.

He said he was detained by the police for a minor offense last Saturday.

Lozada said although they had nothing left, he is just thankful that his mother Erlinda Alojado, who is more than 70 years old, was able to survive fire.*CGS

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