The massive fire that engulfed the historic Manila Central Post Office has been brought under control after more than seven hours of intense firefighting efforts.
The blaze escalated to the highest alarm level or General Alarm at 5:30 AM, Monday, May 22. According to the Manila Fire Station, the fire erupted around 11 PM on Sunday.
Throughout the midnight, nearly 40 firefighting teams from various districts of Metro Manila helped in bringing the fire under control.
Mark Laurente, chief of staff of the postmaster general, told the media that National IDs remained secure as they are stored in a different city.
However, the central post office housed letters and parcels, some of which may have been lost in the fire.
The iconic building was first constructed in 1926, but it underwent major reconstruction in 1946 after being severely damaged during World War II.
