Manila, Aug. 20 -- A fire of still unknown origin hit the public market in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday night, killing a couple and destroying a variety store that also sells liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, a fire officer said Thursday.

In a radio interview, Fire Inspector Narisa Bansil, the town's fire marshal, said the blaze broke out at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and was declared fire out at about 1 a.m. Thursday.

"At least 10 market stalls, including the store that also sells LPG cylinders, were damaged," he said in a radio interview.

Bansil identified the couple who died as businessman Bacso Abdulgani and his pregnant wife Noraisa, owners of the Bhasnhor Dry Goods Store. They were believed to be asleep ...