At least 17 dead in Philippines fire

At least 17 people were killed early Wednesday when a fire gutted a garment factory in the Philippines, officials said. The victims were trapped by the flames that quickly engulfed the Novo Jeans and Shirts factory in Butuan City. The building has sleeping quarters on the upper floors for the women who work there, the Philippine Star reported. The Manila Bulletin said at least 20 women were believed to have been in the building when the fire broke out before 4 a.m. "Our deepest sympathy to the parents and relatives of the victims and will try our very best effort to help them," said Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun said. Officials said the cause of the fire was under investigation.