Duterte breaks into tears with families of Davao mall fire victims

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte upon hearing the news that victims who were trapped inside the NCCC Mall Davao may have zero chance of survival as the fire inside the mall continues to rage as of dawn of December 24, 2017. KIWI BULACLAC/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte broke down in tears on Saturday night as he visited families of the victims who were trapped inside a mall in Davao City.

Duterte made the visit past 10 p.m. at the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall in Ma-a road, one of the city’s biggest malls.

Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of Davao City Police Office, said the fire started at around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and continued to raze the building as of Sunday morning.

During his visit, photos sent by Malacañang showed Duterte weeping upon hearing the news that those who were trapped inside the building may have zero chance of survival.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte consoles the relatives of one of the victims who were trapped inside the NCCC Mall Davao upon hearing the news that their loved ones may have zero chance of survival as the fire inside the mall continues to rage as of dawn of December 24, 2017. Joining the President is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. KIWI BULACLAC/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The President then made the announcement to the families of the victims.

He was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

The President also talked to  Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Romulo Valles and Monsignor Paul Cuison who are offering spiritual support to the families of victims who are trapped inside the NCCC mall.

Vice Mayor Duterte  posted on his Facebook Page the name of those trapped with zero chance of survival.

• Jessica Solis
• Gantioco Celestial Jr
• Ian Kiem Adlawan
• Regine Generales
• Christen Joy Garzon
• Apple Jane Celades
• Iana Apalacio
• Jonas Basalan
• Jim Benedict Quimsing
• Kurtchin Angela Bangoy
• Mary Joy Daluro
• Randy Balcao
• Rosyl Montanez
• Missy Rose Artiaga
• Analiza Penarejo
• Christine Joy Ferraren
• Ivan Roble
• Christine Alviola
• Alexandra Moreno Castillo
• Hongijangjian- family not interviewed
• Desiree Gayle Zacarias
• Jesseca Samontina
• Mary Louielyn Bongcayao
• Nancy Loyd Abad
• Jeffrey Sismar
• Johani Matundo
• Joyne Pabelonia
• Elyn Joy Yorsua
• Shiela Mae Bacaling
• Mark Entera – family not interviewed
• Charlyn Liwaya
• Mikko Demafeliz
• Roderick Antipuesto
• Rhenzi Nova Muyco
• Roderick Constantinopla
• Venus Joy Kimpo
• Janine Joy Obo

In a statement, Malacañang on Sunday condoled with the families of the fire victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the 37 missing persons of the New City Commercial Center fire in Davao City yesterday (Saturday),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque assured the government would extend assistance to the families and relatives of the victims.

“The President went unannounced last night to the NCCC mall and assured the relatives of the victims that the government would extend help,” he said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), he said, was currently determining the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.

“Let us include them in our prayers in this moment of grief,” he said. /je

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte weeps upon hearing the news that the victims who were trapped inside the NCCC Mall Davao may have zero chance of survival as the fire inside the mall continues to rage as of dawn of December 24, 2017. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. KIWI BULACLAC/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO