BACOLOD CITY (Updated) -– A predawn fire Monday gutted a two-storey boarding house in a slum community in central Bacolod killing 16 people including children.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo extended her sympathy to the families affected by the blaze in Bacolod City.

“The President is extending her deepest sympathies and condolences to the families who died in Bacolod City,” deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez said in his weekly briefing at Malacanang.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Golez, who hails from Bacolod, described the tragedy as the worst in the city.

About 46 houses were gutted by fire, which lasted for nearly two hours.

The Bacolod City Fire Department declared the blaze under control by 3 a.m.

Golez said immediate assistance was given to the victims through the local government unit.

He added that the city disaster coordinating council has convened to find ways and means of providing relief and assistance to the victims.

Reports said most of the victims were charred beyond recognition.

Authorities are still investigating the origin of the fire. Total damage was pegged at P2.5 million. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)