A devastating fire swept through the iconic Manila Central Post Office building in the early hours of the morning, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The blaze, which started in the basement of the neoclassical five-storey building before midnight, took firefighters over seven hours to bring under control. The cause of the fire and extent of the damage are still unknown as an investigation is underway.
The Manila Central Post Office, a national landmark, was the country’s primary mail-sorting and distribution hub, and the central office for the Philippine Postal Corporation. Built in 1926, the building was badly damaged during World War II and was subsequently rebuilt in 1946. Its neoclassical design, featuring high columns, is a distinctive feature of the Manila skyline.
The post office has played a significant role in the country’s history, serving as a backdrop for many Philippine movies and standing near a plaza named after national hero Andres Bonifacio. The plaza has been the site of numerous protests by left-wing and nationalist activists over the years, tackling a range of political and social issues.
Historic Manila Post Office Building Ravaged by Massive Fire
Located on a main intersection of the capital’s key roads and along the Pasig River, the post office is a crucial hub for mail services in the Philippines. Postal services in the country began during the Spanish colonial period, with couriers using horseback to deliver mail.
Seven people, including most of the firefighters who responded to the blaze, suffered minor injuries or were overcome by thick smoke. Despite the damage, the Manila Central Post Office remains a vital part of the city’s infrastructure and a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture.
