A massive fire swept through Barangay Lamion in Bongao late Tuesday night, February 3, destroying an estimated 1,000 homes but leaving no reported fatalities, authorities said.

According to Bongao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRM), they received the fire report at 10:09 p.m. on February 3. Strong winds fueled the blaze, causing it to spread rapidly across the densely populated community.

Firefighters declared the fire under control at 2:00 a.m. on February 4.

Despite the extensive damage, residents were quickly evacuated by land and sea to temporary shelters at the MSU Amilbahar Gym and the Provincial Quarantine Area. Several footbridges were also destroyed, complicating rescue and firefighting operations.

The Bongao Municipal Government immediately deployed an Incident Management Team and coordinated with the Tawi-Tawi Provincial DRRM Office, Bangsamoro READi, OCD-BAR, and the Barangay Lamion local government.

Firefighting teams from the Bongao Central Fire Station, BFP-OPFM, municipal volunteers, and CAAP-ARFF worked to contain the blaze. Coast Guard units and provincial speedboats assisted with sea-borne rescue operations.

Emergency medical services were stationed at the Tawi-Tawi IPHO Covered Court, while temporary shelters were provided with tents, water, and basic supplies.

Security and road clearing teams were deployed to ensure safe access for responders. Relief operations are ongoing, with assistance coordinated among local government units, neighboring barangays, and private sector partners.