Robredo: Manila experts to help probe Butuan fire

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said a five-man team from the Bureau of Fire Protection from Manila has been sent to Butuan City Thursday to help in the investigation of the fire that killed 17 workers inside a shopping store in the province Wednesday.

Robredo said the team was directed to coordinate with local authorities of Butuan City during the conduct of investigation and to secure all related documents and pieces evidence from the fire that gutted the two-store clothing store on Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City a few minutes before 4 a.m.

The team will also determine the criminal liability of the Taiwanese owners of the store, the company, and other persons, he said, citing that the building was not granted a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate due to non-compliance with fire drills.

Robredo said that while the store has complied with technical requirements, such as procurement of fire extinguishers and the like, during its last inspection last March 22, 2011, it has failed to comply with operational requirements.

He said authorities will not hesitate to file charges against anyone who would be found liable.

The team will stay in Butuan City for three to four days. Jamie Marie Elona