37 Feared Dead in Philippines Fire

Dozens are feared dead after a fire raged through a mall in the Philippines.

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About 37 people are believed to have perished in the blaze in southern Davao. According to vice mayor and son of Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, Paolo Duterte, “their chances of survival is zero.”

“Let us pray for them,” Paolo added.

The fire started in a mall in the southern region of the city, on Saturday morning. “Our firemen are still struggling to find a way in as the fire is still burning,” Paolo said of the emergency responders, who are unable to enter the engulfed premises.

“We are currently coordinating with the authorities,” mall spokeswoman Thea Septaan Padua said.

According to Reuters, one body was recovered from the four-story building.

President Rodrigo Duterte along with his daughter, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, visited the mall to comfort the families of the victims.

The president “assured the relatives of the victims that the government would extend help.” said Harry Roque, the president’s spokesman.

ABC News reported that the fire started in a furniture store.