Historic Philippine Post Office building engulfed in flames, reduced to ruins

MANILA: IN a devastating incident, a historic post office in the Philippine capital, Manila, was engulfed in a massive fire, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection stated that over 80 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene after the blaze erupted late on Sunday.

The iconic Manila Central Post Office, a neo-classical structure overlooking the Pasig River, succumbed to the flames, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Thick, black smoke billowed hundreds of meters into the sky as the fire consumed the building, which was known for its architectural significance, AFP reported.

According to Postmaster General Luis Carlos, firefighters battled the inferno for more than seven hours before finally gaining control over the situation.

Tragically, he revealed, "The whole building has burned down from the basement all the way to the fifth floor."

The intensity of the fire was such that it reduced the landmark structure to ashes.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. Fire brigades from various parts of the capital were mobilized to combat the fire, resulting in one volunteer firefighter sustaining minor injuries.

Originally constructed in 1926, the post office held great historical and cultural importance in Manila. It stood as a symbol of grandeur until it was destroyed during World War II when US forces liberated the city from Japanese occupation.

The post office was subsequently reconstructed in 1946, and in 2018, it was declared an "important cultural property" by the Philippine National Museum.

Postmaster General Carlos expressed his concerns about the contents of the building, stating that letters, parcels, and the entire stamp collection of the postal agency were likely destroyed in the devastating fire.

The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

The nation mourns the loss of this architectural gem and cultural landmark, as authorities work to uncover the cause behind this tragic incident.