Sunday, April 13, 2008 Dep't store apologizes to firemen, volunteers
FOR firemen and volunteers who were bodily searched by security personnel of Tiong San department store at the height of the April 2 fire, which occurred in the establishment, being frisked is an insult.
Fire and volunteers who came to the aid of the Tiong San family when their building caught fire complained had security personnel allowed them in without conducting a body search, the nine-hour blaze would have been easily put off.
Mia Lao, chief executive officer of Tiong San apologized.
In an undated letter to Fire Marshall Jovencio Marquez, Lao said "I sincerely apologize for the negative experience by some of your brave firefighters and volunteers from our security personnel," adding they are now doing a review of their security procedures to ensure the unprofessional conduct of some of their personnel will never happen again.
"We deeply regret this (unfortunate) incident. As a company this is not representative of the way we treat our unsung heroes," Lao said.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) meanwhile accepted the apology. Marquez said Lao's letter was read before all personnel of the BFP.
Marquez said Lao's apology would also be sent to the volunteers who helped contain the fire.
Meanwhile, Marquez confirmed that the Tiong San building in Harrison Road is not insured. An affidavit was submitted to them to assure that structure is not insured, he said.
Volunteers who assisted the BFP include: officials of the City Government and Municipal Government of La Trinidad, Baguio City Police Office, City Environment and Parks Management Office, La Trinidad fire station, BFP-CAR, Sunshine volunteer fire brigade, Peza fire station, Irisan substation, Camp John Hay, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) fire station, Baguio Water District, Benguet Electric Cooperative, Public Order and Safety Division, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Baguio City Emergency Medical Services, City Disaster Coordinating Council, Department of Health (DOH), BB-Picag, 911 on call, and water delivery companies. (RO)
