Ayala Land promises cooperation in police probe of Serendra blast

Police examine the scene after an explosion ripped through an apartment in the upscale district of Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines, Friday, May 31, 2013. A loud explosion ripped through an apartment in Manila on Friday night, and a radio report said at least three people were killed by falling debris that hit a passing delivery van. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Property giant Ayala Land Inc. said on Saturday it has cordoned off certain sections of Two Serendra and was continuing to inspect all areas in the complex following Friday night’s explosion that killed three people and wounded five others.

But Ayala Land said in a statement Saturday afternoon that it could not draw any conclusions yet as to the cause of the blast but assured the public that it was cooperating with the police in the investigation.

The company said also that it was continuing to look into the condition and welfare of those who were affected by the explosion.

It has been confirmed that five people were injured, the property developer said. Two were residents of Two Serendra, and the other three were passersby.

They were all taken  immediately to the St. Luke’s Medical Center at Bonifacio Global City and are being attended to while two were discharged Friday night, the company said.

“The families of those who died will be provided with the necessary assistance,” the company said.

In the interest of safety, Ayala Land said it had isolated Section A and B of Two Serendra. “All other areas within Serendra are being inspected to ensure that they remain safe,” the company said.

Residents of affected area have been provided with temporary lodging until clearance to return is obtained from the police authorities.

“Ayala Land is closely coordinating and assisting the police on matters pertaining to the investigation,” the company said.

“At this point, Ayala Land is not in a position to make conclusive statements regarding the cause of the explosion but will provide updates as they become available.”