WHAT WENT BEFORE: Other fires trapping stay-in workers

In recent years, fires have ripped through factories and commercial buildings in the Philippines, claiming the lives of stay-in workers

In October 2004, eight workers of Popong’s Suerte Mart in San Fernando, Pampanga, were killed when a fire hit the establishment. The victims were trapped on the fourth floor, where there was no fire exit and the windows were padlocked.

In December 2006, at least 24 people, including shoppers, vendors and store employees, were killed when a fire burned down the Unitop store in Ormoc City, Leyte. Twenty-two other people were injured in the fire, which was caused by a firecracker explosion.

In March 2007, seven people were killed when fire hit Eastern Enterprises noodle factory in Cogon Pardo, Cebu City. The dead were a 70-year-old woman, her daughter and five grandchildren. Police suspected arson.

In May 2007, four stay-in workers of LSR garments factory in Caloocan City perished in a fire that hit the three-story building housing the establishment. The building did not have fire exits but the windows were grilled, leaving the workers no way to escape.

In December 2007, two workers of a rice cake factory in Tondo, Manila, were killed in a fire that destroyed at least three other structures in the area. The fire, which was linked to a gas explosion, damaged at least P400,000 in property.

In January 2009, a chemical explosion at the E and B firecracker factory in Bocaue, Bulacan, caused a fire that killed two workers.

In June 2009, three contractual and stay-in employees of RM Promo and Display in Santa Quiteria, Caloocan City, died in a fire that originated from a room containing highly combustible materials.

On May 6, 2012, a stay-in delivery boy of Arnel’s Sash Factory in Santa Cruz, Manila, perished in a fire that hit the woodwork shop. The fire destroyed P1 million in property. Inquirer Research

Source: Inquirer Archives