ILOILO CITY, March 16 -- A fire that lasted a little over nine hours gutted two three-story buildings located within the heritage zone of Iloilo City, leaving estimated damage at PHP8.085 million, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The fire affected a total area of 1,078 square meters, spanning portions of Chinatown along Iznart Street and Calle Real (JM Basa Street).

A report furnished by the BFP to Mayor Jerry P. Trenas said the fire began at 11:16 p.m. Friday

It reached the fourth alarm at 2:20 a.m. the following day until it was declared fire out at 8:25 a.m.

Arson investigator FO2 John Paquito Verano said the fire gutted the Divinagracia and Dominican Sister buildings.

The fire originated from the Emerald Finance ...