Metrobriefs

P4M lost in Pasig fire

Around P4 million worth of property was damaged in a fire that broke out in an establishment in Pasig City late Tuesday afternoon. According to FO3 Carlito Bañez, it took some time for authorities to place under control the blaze that started at 5:10 p.m. in an Eastern Petroleum warehouse on JV Miguel Street, Barangay Bambang because the establishment contained bunker fuel and other flammable chemicals. He said firemen had to use a special type of chemical in putting out the fire which reached the fifth alarm. It was finally extinguished at 7:20 p.m. or more than two hours after it broke out. The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined as employees of the establishment said they found out about it only when they saw smoke coming out of the warehouse, Bañez said. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to other establishments as the warehouse was located inside a compound. No one was reported hurt or killed either. Kristine Felisse Mangunay

Fund drive for typhoon victims launched

Robinsons Malls’ “The Gift of Change” donation drive for victims of “Yolanda” is in full wing in Leyte, northern Cebu, Roxas and Iloilo. Thousands of relief good bags containing canned goods, rice, water, hygiene kits were earlier sent to these areas together with volunteers who would help in the distribution.  Robinsons Malls has also organized and put together hundreds of boxes donated by shoppers and customers who continue to give their donations. The Christmas Tree of Hope will also be launched this week to raise more funds for typhoon victims. “Several colorful trees will be displayed in Robinsons Malls and our customers are invited to buy a Christmas ball,  proceeds of which will going to Serviam Foundation,” said Arlene Magtibay, Robinsons Land Corp. general manager, commercial centers division.