By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
NUEVA VIZCAYA — A fire in Barangay San Geronimo, Bagabag, claimed the lives of eight Shih Tzus on Thursday, August 14—including a mother dog who reportedly ran back into the flames to rescue her puppies.
According to Bagabag police, the blaze started in the stock room of the residence, where an electric fan had been plugged in.
Lea Nicole, 29, daughter of the homeowner, recalled smelling something like burning rubber before seeing smoke billow from the room.
The fire spread quickly, trapping the dogs inside.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the mother dog was initially retrieved by her owner but broke free and ran back into the burning house to reach her litter.
“Ginapang daw ng may-ari ‘yung aso niya pero ‘yung nanay lang ang nakuha dahil kumalat na ang apoy. Gayunman, tumalon ‘yung aso at pumasok sa loob, binalikan ‘yung mga anak niya kaya lahat sila nasunog,” a BFP personnel said.
The fire was declared out at 1:55 p.m.
Damage estimates are still being assessed.
