2 Pinoy survivors of London tower fire recall ordeal

Virgilio "Larry" Castro and girlfriend Elisa Rabaya thought their lives were over following the huge blaze that engulfed a residential building in London.
But despite his ordeal, Virgilio's thoughts still went with his family in the Philippines, especially to his sick brother, according to a report by GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo on "24 Oras" on Friday.
"Papano na kaya ang mga tinutulungan ko sa Pilipinas kung nawala ako? Lalo na 'yung kapatid kong maysakit," Virgilio said.
The couple recalled how they escaped the fire at Grenfell Tower last Wednesday, which left 17 people dead with the death toll expected to rise.
"Si Larry gustong bumaba... pumasok ulit sa loob... at may kukuhanin siya. Eh hinatak ko na lang siya dahil nasu-suffocate na 'ko sa init saka sa usok," Elisa said. "Kung hindi kami nakatakbo, eh siguro isa na kami sa nakapaskil diyan sa mga namatay."
"Maraming tumatakbo na kaya nagmamadali akong tumakbo. Eh tapos pagbaba ko, pumuputok na sa taas," Virgilio, who was at the 17th floor of the 24-storey building when the fire happened, said.
They were thankful that they were able to survive the tragedy.
"'Yung mga materyal na bagay, 'di na importante 'yun. Mas importante ang buhay mo dahil minsan lang 'yan  sa atin," Elisa said.
Initial report said at least 65 people were still missing or feared dead following the fire incident.
In relation to this, families posted photos of their missing relatives. One of them is Ligaya Moore who, according to Senator Joel Villanueva, is a member of Jesus is Lord Movement, the religious group founded by his father.
"'Yung mga ilang members ng church ang naka-usap namin na she's actually there, lives there by herself," Villanueva said. 
Moreover, aid continues to flow in London for the fire victims.
Investigation is ongoing as regards to the incident. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News

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