DILG: Gaisano can now process insurance claim

WITH the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ruling out arson in the Dec. 2011 fire that gutted the Gaisano Capitol South Mall, the management can now process their insurance claims.

“It’s finished. We’re just facilitating the release of our official findings so they can file the claims to be processed by the insurance company showing definite results of the investigation,” said a DILG official who requested anonymity.

Chief Supt. Ruben Bearis Jr., former chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection submitted their findings to the DILG that was signed by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas on Feb. 14.

An executive of the Gaisano Group of Companies said the fire incident is “a done issue.” “There’s a decision already. Insurance will come later,” he said. The amount of insurance has yet to be determined.

The DILG report stated that the exact cause of the fire was “undetermined” and “accidental in nature.”

“There was no concrete proof of fire break-in, no evidence of deliberate igniton and no evidence of multiple fires,” the report said.

This contrasts with the initial findings of the Cebu City Fire Station which said arson was the cause of the fire since it broke out early in the morning.

After the BFP issued its findings, a fire clearance certificate was issued to the management of the Gaisano Capital South mall.

Its findings were bolstered by a report of Forensic Services which worked with PhilPacific Insurance Brokers and Managers, Inc. last April 6,2012. They concluded that there was no physical evidence to suggest arson.

SFO4 Fortunato Bucia of the Cebu City Fire Station investigation team said they respect the findings of the BFP main office,

“They’ve made a thorough investigation and we honor it. They called the witnesses especially the first witness,” Bucia said.

In a related development, the Talisay City Fire Station kicked off their observance of Fire Prevention Month with a Mass at their office and a short program on fire safety and responsibility.

Chief Insp. Antonio Cruz, head of the Talisay City Fire station, they will hold seminars and drills on fire safety in the next few days.

He said the misuse of electrical appliances and substandard installation of electrical wiring remain the top cause of fire outbreaks at 71 percent followed by open flame at nine percent. With Correspondent Gabriel C. Bonjoc