Deadly Inferno Hits Shariff Aguak Market: Couple Killed as Flames Destroy Over 10 Stalls

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — A catastrophic fire swept through the Shariff Aguak Public Market overnight on Thursday, August 20, 2026, killing a married couple and destroying more than 10 commercial stalls in a violent blaze that shocked the local community.

The fire broke out in the early morning hours, rapidly spreading through tightly packed wooden and light-material vendor stalls. Onlookers reported seeing flames quickly rise above the market complex, fueled by stored goods and commercial inventory. The intense heat and rapid advance of the fire trapped two individuals inside their combined residential and retail space before they could escape.

Firefighting units from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and neighboring municipal stations responded swiftly to the scene after receiving emergency calls from market security guards. Emergency crews deployed multiple hose lines to battle the raging inferno and protect adjacent commercial blocks from being consumed by the flames.

Upon suppressing the main fire, firefighters conducting overhaul and search operations discovered the remains of the victim couple inside their burnt stall. Local authorities confirmed both individuals succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burn injuries. Relatives and fellow vendors identified the deceased as longtime market proprietors who resided in a small loft section above their commercial stall.

Preliminary assessments by local disaster response officials indicate that at least 10 commercial stalls were completely gutted by the fire, resulting in substantial financial losses for small business owners. Structural remnants and charred inventory littered the market pathways as morning broke.

BFP arson investigators have secured the perimeter to conduct a thorough forensic inspection to pinpoint the precise origin and cause of the blaze. Initial reports suggest a potential electrical short circuit or unattended appliance within one of the central stalls may have sparked the fire, though official findings remain pending as authorities continue their investigation. Municipal leaders expressed deep condolences to the victims' family and promised immediate assistance to affected vendors.