BFP Team to Probe Zambo City Market Fire

Zamboanga City (PNA) -– A team of investigators from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) central office arrived in the city to investigate the circumstances that led to a fire on Saturday which killed 15 people and injured 13 others.

BFP Director Ariel Barayuga organized the team of investigators on orders of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and as per Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar’s request.

Supt. Dominador Zabala Jr., Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD) marshal, told the Philippines News Agency that the team arrived on Monday and “the investigation is ongoing.”

Fifteen people, including six children, perished and 13 others injured while an estimated PHP8 million worth of properties were damaged in two-hour fire that razed 350 stalls at the old public market in Sitio Magay, Barangay Zone 1.

The fire also partially destroyed a three-storey commercial building adjacent to the stalls, majority of which were used clothes shops.

Salazar welcomed the investigation, adding that the local government will also be launching its own probe to investigate potential administrative responsibilities and liabilities.

Meanwhile, Salazar on Monday has relieved Market Supervisor Nathaniel Asuncion in line with the conduct of the City Legal Office and other government agencies’ probe on the incident.

The mayor has assigned Dr. Elmeir Jade Apoliario, OIC-city administrator, to supervise the day-to-day affairs at the public market. (PNA) FFC/BNB/TPGJR