Comprehensive probe on drowning of 4 plumbers sought

A NON-GOVERNMENT organization advocating workers' health and safety urged government offices to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the death of four plumbers in a mall septic tank in Quezon City.

The Manila-based Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) asked the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to probe the management and work policies of Ali Mall.

"The investigation must ascertain who among the management of Ali Mall allowed the workers to enter the work premises without the proper work attire and safety gear," said Noel Colina, IOHSAD executive director.

On August 30, the four plumbers drowned in a septic tank in the said mall while they were doing plumbing and piping work, according to Investigator Police Officer 2 Alvin Quisumbing.

He said the water suddenly went up, trapping and drowning the four around 3 a.m.

Quisumbing identified the victims as Romy Suarez and his sons, Rodel and Rommel, and Marvin. The bodies were retrieved three hours later.

The plumbers all belong to the RCBC Plumbing Services, a company hired by Ali Mall.

Safety devices were allegedly not present at the work site, according to authorities.

"If indeed true, we are very bothered the management of Ali Mall allowed the workers to conduct their operation without proper safety devices," Colina said.

In a statement, the mall management said they are "deeply saddened" by the incident and that they are coordinating with RCBC to extend assistance to the families of the victims. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)