Historic Manila Central Post Office Reduced to Ashes in Devastating Fire

In a heart-wrenching incident, the iconic Manila Central Post Office has been completely consumed by a fierce fire that erupted late Sunday evening. Postmaster General Luis Carlos confirmed the tragic news on Monday, stating that the historic structure had been “totally burned,” leaving the nation in mourning.

“The structure is totally burned. This is 100%. This is truly saddening because the building is old. It is part of our history. But we really couldn’t handle it. The structure needs to be preserved,” Carlos expressed with deep regret.

The fire originated in the basement of the post office, as reported by the Manila Fire Station, shortly after 11 p.m. on Sunday. By 5:54 a.m. on Monday, the blaze had escalated to the highest fire alarm level, known as the general alarm. Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the inferno, and by past 7 a.m., the fire was declared under control. However, efforts to completely extinguish the flames are still ongoing.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire spread rapidly throughout the building due to the combustible materials present in the basement, such as wood. This contributed to the swift devastation of the structure.

Postmaster General Carlos highlighted that the fire’s impact extends beyond the loss of the historic building. Mail services from Manila, including those destined for provinces and international locations, have been severely affected. This includes the delivery of important documents such as national IDs.

Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan of Manila is currently in discussions with Carlos to determine the assistance and support that can be provided to mitigate the impact of the incident.

Four members of the Bureau of Fire Protection sustained injuries during the firefighting operation. While their injuries, including breathing difficulties and minor wounds, are not life-threatening, they serve as a reminder of the risks faced by the brave firefighters in their efforts to combat the blaze.

Recognizing the immense cultural, artistic, and historical significance of the Manila Central Post Office, the National Museum has declared the building as an “important cultural property.” This designation grants the structure access to government funding for its protection, conservation, and restoration, as mandated by the law.

The neo-classical architectural masterpiece, located at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, was designed by renowned architects Tomas Mapua, Juan Marcos Arellano, and Ralph Doane, according to the Philippine Postal Corporation. It underwent reconstruction in 1946 following the destruction caused by World War II in 1945.

As this remains a developing story, further updates on the aftermath, investigations into the fire’s cause, and potential plans for the restoration of Manila Central Post Office are expected to unfold in the coming days. The nation mourns the loss of this historical landmark that held a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, symbolizing an irreplaceable part of their shared heritage.

Fire hits Manila Central Post Office