A massive fire engulfed Isla Puting Bato, a crowded shanty town in Tondo, Manila, on Sunday, leaving nearly 8,000 people homeless and destroying over 1,000 stilt houses. The fire began around 8 a.m. and raged for almost eight hours before being declared under control at 4:07 p.m.

The Manila Fire District categorized the blaze as “Task Force Charlie,” a high-level alert for fires requiring extensive resources. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) was deployed to assist firefighting efforts, using Black Hawk, B205, and Sokol helicopters to conduct over 100 heli-bucket sorties. These aerial operations helped contain the flames in the densely packed area, where flammable materials and tight structures allowed the fire to spread rapidly.

Drone footage released by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed vivid images of orange flames and thick smoke consuming the coastal slum. Residents described harrowing moments as they scrambled to evacuate, many leaving their belongings behind. “Everything happened so fast. We only had time to grab our children and run,” one survivor recounted.

Local officials confirmed that roughly 2,000 families were affected, with many taking refuge in nearby schools, evacuation centers, and makeshift shelters. Relief operations are underway, with aid organizations providing food, water, and medical assistance. However, the scale of displacement has overwhelmed resources, leaving some residents struggling to secure basic necessities.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest it may have started from an unattended cooking fire. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna pledged swift action to support the affected families and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This disaster highlights the vulnerability of urban poor communities living in informal settlements. Advocates are calling for more robust fire safety measures and long-term housing solutions to address the persistent risks faced by these communities.

As Manila begins the arduous task of recovery, residents of Isla Puting Bato face an uncertain future, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to urban poverty and disaster resilience.