MANILA – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, together with the Manila Social Welfare Department, distributed food and P200 cash to the victims of the fire in Del Pan, Tondo.

Almost a thousand residents were affected by the fire and were brought to the evacuation center in Del Pan complex.

The families of the victims who were killed in the fire appealed to the mayor if they can still bury their loved ones instead of cremating the victims.

Barangay officials initially proposed that the charred bodies be brought to the cemetery instead of bringing them to the basketball court or evacuation center so that other relatives can at least gather and pray for the dead body.

Three people were killed in the fire: Teresa Franco, 2; Anabelle Prado; 21; and Hedelita Beldoro, 42.

Authorities said an injured victim, 37-year-old Jovel Prado, is still confined in the hospital.

Lim said it would be welcome if his rival in the 2013 elections, former President Joseph Estrada, will also donate to the fire victims, but added that he doesn’t care whether or not Estrada will visit.