Fire bureau revokes Gentle Hands’ fire safety certificate
MANILA, Philippines— The Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District (BFP-QCFD) has revoked the fire safety inspection certificate of the private orphanage Gentle Hands Incorporated (GHI) based on the report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday.
The welfare authority issued a cease-and-desist order on the orphanage on Monday for violating the Philippine fire code and other issues.
“GHI was found to have violated pertinent provisions of the revised implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines during said inspection resulting in the revocation of its Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC),” reported acting Quezon City district marshal Senior Supt. Aristotle Banaga to DSWD.
According to DSWD, BFP-QC conducted a fire safety inspection of the orphanage on Wednesday upon the department’s request, one day after over 140 kids were taken out of GHI’s custody.
Bandage added that the fire bureau is “strictly monitoring” Gentle Hands for corrections of defects, as indicated in a notice to comply (NTC) issued after the investigation.
Since it was hit with the cease-and-desist order, Gentle Hands has begun renovations to address these problems and other deficiencies to have the children, who used to be in its custody, returned.
RELATED STORIES
DSWD says 22 Gentle Hands orphans missing; lawyer disputes claim
State child care group asks DSWD to be transparent on Gentle Hands’ case
