25 still missing after Davao City mall fire

Aerial shots of the fire that hit NCCC Mall in Davao. Twenty-five people remained missing as of 5 p.m. PHOTO/BONG GO

DAVAO CITY — At least 25 people remained missing following the massive fire that hit a mall here on Saturday morning, authorities said.

The fire, which swept through the upper level of the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall in Ma-a road shortly around 9:30 a.m., was still continuing, Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, the spokesperson of Davao City Police Office said.

READ: Fire breaks out at one of Davao’s biggest malls

Reports indicated the blaze may have started from the mall’s third level shortly after the establishment opened and shoppers were allowed inside.

“The fire started at the third floor particularly at the furniture section going to the fourth floor going to the SSC call center office,” Gaspan told the Inquirer.

Firefighters and personnel from the 911 Emergency Service are now conducting search and rescue operations inside the mall, the city police spokesperson said. /je