Ayala closes Serendra gas system

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said Monday that the Ayala Land Inc., the developer of Two Serendra that was hit by a powerful blast last May 31, has decided to completely shut down the gas pipeline system of the condominium.

In his Twitter post, Roxas said “the whole Serendra” condominium corporation “has already agreed to shut down [the] whole LPG system.”

He said that the information came from Ayala Land Inc. president Tony Aquino.

Roxas quoted Aquino as saying that restaurants in the Serendra complex were also being checked.

Jorge Miguel Marco, corporate communications head of Ayala Land Corp., said the move was in line with Roxas’ recommendation for an immediate and comprehensive check on the LPG systems of all residential and commercial establishments within Bonifacio Global City to ensure that all components, including fittings and meters, are safe.

According to Marco, Serendra Inc. president Bernard Vincent Dy has informed residents that the company is adopting a safety-above-all mind-set.

Safety inspection of each unit will start immediately after the issuance of notices to residents, the company said.

Marco said the move will ensure the safety at the condominium as he stressed that its benefit to residents far outweighs the possible inconvenience it may cause.

The LPG supply at One Serendra was closed around 8 p.m. Saturday, while the supply at Two Serendra was turned off just a few minutes after the blast.

Last Friday, Roxas said that the findings of the inter-agency task force on the blast were “consistent with gas explosion, most likely liquefied petroleum gas.”

“They shut down the gas system at Serendra complex for a thorough check. This is a good move. It’s a good first step,” Roxas said in an ambush interview.

In a television interview, Roxas also said that they were coordinating with the local government of Taguig City for the conduct of a “general, area-wide check” of gas systems in the area.

Meanwhile, Roxas said authorities have not yet determined who should be held liable for the death of three people.

The Serendra blast was so powerful that it tore off a concrete slab that crushed an appliance store delivery van, killing its driver and two passengers.