DAVAO CITY - The office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte immediately provided much-needed assistance to fire victims at Punta Dumalag 2 in Barangay Matina Aplaya of this city.

Over 100 houses were either gutted down or damaged by a fire, which began about 5 p.m. on July 17, Saturday afternoon, at Punta Dumalag 2. Also caught in the fire was the Diego Silang Elementary School at Punta Dumalag 1.

The office sends its team to the affected area in the evening to supply relief assistance such as food, tent, and portable toilets for the victims estimated to reach around 500. One casualty reported, while some people got injured. 

Rep. Duterte said that affected individuals with health concerns could seek support from the office to avail of medical assistance. The First Congressional District Office has been providing relief assistance.

While everyone is still trying to recuperate from the incident, Rep. Duterte said they will also provide lunch and dinner for the victims for three consecutive days starting today, Sunday. Then, they will assess the situation. 

"Nagprovide mi ug lunch and dinner for three days kay kabalo ta lisod pa sila makaluto ug kaugalingon nila pagkaon karon mga panahuna. After three days the First Congressional District Office will asses the situation kay nadungog namo nga naay mga silingan nila nga himok ug kasing kasing nga nitabang pod kanila," Rep. Duterte said.

Rep. Duterte said they would also coordinate with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio's office, especially on providing construction materials and other needed relief assistance for the affected families. 

"Mag-agad pod mi sa Lokal nga panggamhanan sa liderato ni Mayor Inday ug unsa pa ang mga panginahanglan sa mga nasunugan. We will coordinate with the office of the mayor labi na gyud sa mga panginahanglan sa construction materials abot sa panahon maayo nalang bisan gamay makatabang ang first congressional office sa ilang mga panginahanglan," he added.

Initial investigation of the Davao firefighters revealed that the fire started at around 5 p.m. Firefighters controlled the fire at around 6:12 p.m. The victims were evacuated at Matina Aplaya gymnasium.