BFP distributes evaluation checklists to condo residents in Bonifacio Global City

A section of Two Serendra condominium hit by an explosion in the upscale Bonifacio Global City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Bureau of Fire Protection started the distribution Wednesday of evaluation checklists to unit owners at the Bonifacio Global City who will make a self-inspection and assessment of the gas systems in their respective homes.

“The checklist questions are designed so that only one yes answer could mean that there is something wrong with the system,” the Department of the Interior and Local Government quoted BFP Office-in-Charge Carlito Romero as saying.

DILG said Romero presided over the first of a series of consultation with unit owners, building owners, and piped-in LPG supplier Bonifacio Gas Corp. earlier Wednesday.

Unit owners, according to Romero, will have to report their findings to their respective building administrators.

“Safety is a shared responsibility and interest,” Romero said by way of explaining the self-assessment aspect of the consultation. “We’re on the same boat. This is a consultation, so we welcome comments. Take advantage of this period, after which we will issue directives with or without comments.”

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said 12 residential and 49 commercial buildings in the entire BGC in Taguig City are using gas pipe-in systems.

The series of consultations came amid the probe on the May 31 explosion at Two Serendra which authorities earlier ruled out to have been caused by a gas leak.

Three appliance store employees were killed after they were crushed by a slab of concrete wall that flew across the street from the exploding apartment.

The fourth fatality was Angelito San Juan, the occupant of affected unit 501B when the explosion occurred. He died recently while undergoing medical treatment at St. Luke’s Medical Center also in Taguig City.

After the distribution of the checklist which will be completed until Friday, unit owners and building owners will have until July 19 to write down their comments.

DILG said the checklist should be submitted starting July 20 until July 26.

“BFP will issue appropriate guidelines based on the comments,” DILG said.

“For this to work, we need 100 percent compliance,” Taguig City administrator Joel Montrales told those who attended the consultation.

He also said that after directives have been sent out, inspection of the units and buildings in BGC will be conducted every three months.

Romero said that during their respective inspection of their units, owners or tenants should be accompanied by technical people who will then issue a declaration that the unit has been inspected and that the system is safe.

Romero, accompanied by Taguig City administrator Joel Montales, said all requirements for safety are provided by law and set by the industry.

“In the end, all units must be compliant with all laws and regulations,” he said.