Elderly couple meets tragic death in a residential fire in Bacolod City

• An 80-year-old bedridden man and his 81-year-old wife perished in an early morning house fire in Bacolod City on June 30, 2025, with damage estimated at P3 million

• The wife, Emelyn, reportedly tried to retrieve a fire extinguisher and turn back for her bedridden husband, Edison, before succumbing to the blaze, as indicated by her body's position and neighbor's CCTV footage

• The couple was tragically alone in their home when the fire broke out, as their usual nighttime companion had an unexpected allergy attack, and Emelyn did not inform her children

• Authorities are emphasizing the crucial need for families to have detailed emergency plans and ensure that bedridden and elderly individuals are never left unsupervised, especially at night, to prevent similar tragedies

A devastating fire in the early hours of Monday, June 30, 2025, claimed the lives of an elderly couple in their residence at City Heights Subdivision in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City.

The victims were identified by the Bacolod Fire Station as 80-year-old Edison Lopez Hibionada and his wife, 81-year-old Emelyn Genosa Hibionada.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bacolod received the fire alarm at approximately 4:14 a.m. and found the two-story house fully engulfed in flames upon arrival.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was declared out by 4:41 a.m. Initial investigations by authorities suggest the fire may have originated from the wiring of an air conditioning unit.

The extensive damage to the property is estimated at a substantial P3 million.

According to Enger Planas, the couple's daughter and a church pianist, her father, Edison, was bedridden and suffered from dementia, making his escape impossible.

His charred remains were discovered on top of his collapsed hospital bed in the living room area of the house.

The circumstances surrounding Emelyn's death suggest a heroic, albeit tragic, attempt to save her husband.

Planas recounted that her mother's body was found face down on the dining room floor, with the lower part of her body charred.

It appeared she might have been trying to retrieve a fire extinguisher when she fell and was pinned down by their heavy, round dining table.

Further heartbreaking details emerged from a neighbor's CCTV footage, which reportedly captured Emelyn partially exiting the front door before turning back, presumably to try and rescue her husband.

A neighbor also reported hearing Emelyn's desperate cries, "Daddy, daddy ano himo-on ta, Dios ko, Dios ko buligi kami" (Daddy, daddy, what should we do, God, God help us).

The couple was alone in the house at the time of the inferno. Planas explained that while they had a caregiver during the day, their children typically took turns staying with them at night.

On the night of the fire, a nephew was scheduled to stay but called to report an allergy attack. Emelyn, however, did not inform her children of this change, leaving the elderly couple unattended.

Edison Lopez Hibionada had a notable career as a senior account executive for Unilab before he and Emelyn relocated to the United States, where they resided for over a decade.

They had only recently returned to the Philippines in 2023 with the intention of retiring peacefully in their home country.

The tragic incident highlights the severe risks faced by bedridden individuals and senior citizens, particularly when left unattended during emergencies.

Fire Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip, Bacolod City Fire Marshal, emphasized the critical need for families to establish comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that specifically account for the special needs of vulnerable household members.

Authorities stressed the importance of ensuring that such individuals are never left alone, especially at night, to prevent similar catastrophes.

The Hibionadas are survived by two daughters and four sons. Planas confirmed that her parents' remains would be cremated following the devastating loss.

The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of fires and the devastating impact they can have on families, particularly those with elderly or infirm members.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a python was found inside a car engine at a smoke emission testing center in Tagum City. The car had been unused for a long time and was parked near a creek, possibly attracting the snake. The python was safely rescued and turned over to Tagum’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). Authorities reminded the public to inspect idle vehicles, especially those parked near natural areas.

Still in other news, a 44-year-old woman was shot dead inside her car by a motorcycle-riding assailant in Barangay 169, Caloocan City. The victim was close to reaching her home when the gunman attacked and fled immediately. Six bullet casings were recovered at the crime scene; the victim died on the spot. Authorities are still investigating the motive and identity of the suspect.

Source: KAMI.com.gh