Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday called on all local government units to make sure that they have firetrucks, after a blaze gutted down the Ilog parish church on Monday.

Fires come like thieves in the night and we must all be ready to fight them off, he said. Fr. Custodio Ananoria, Ilog parish priest, yesterday issued an appeal for help from the Catholic faithful in the rebuilding of the St John the Baptist Church.

The St. John the Baptist Parish Church at MH del Pilar Street in Barangay 1, Ilog town, was razed by fire and Ananoria said that, perhaps, if the town had its own working firetruck, it could have been saved. Ilog Mayor John Paul Alvarez yesterday said that as early as Feb. 2, the town government had purchased a firetruck but it is expected to be delivered in the first week of May yet.

Marañon said the provincial government helps all municipalities that seek assistance for firetrucks.

Her said Ilog, and all municipalities and cities of Negros Occidental should have operational firetrucks.

Ananoria estimated the value of the Church that went up in flames due to faulty electrical wiring at about P5.5 million.

It will cost about P10 million to build a new church and a fund drive has began, he said.

We are appealing for donations, love offerings and pledges for its construction, he said.

Donations can be directly given to the parish where proper receipts will be issued, he said.

They can also be made through the St. John the Baptist Parish-Ilog account No. 419-518642-7 at the Philippine National Bank in Kabankalan City.*CPG

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