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Wednesday, February 02, 2005
2 government buildings declared firetraps
* Offices among 9 buildings recommended for closure for fire safety violations
* No fire exit, lack of fire-fighting equipment noted by fire inspectors
THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recommended for closure two government buildings and seven business establishments in Metro Manila for failing to meet fire safety standards.
Recommended for closure were the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) building, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) building, Wack Wack Apartments, Dr. Victor Potenciano Medical Center, Jovan Condominium Corporation, Citytrust-Guada, Viable Merchandising in Muntinlupa City, Plastic Scrap Junkshop in Valenzuela City, and Ban Bee Commercial in Makati City.
Violations observed in the establishments include no automatic fire suppression system, no fire exit, no separate storeroom for combustible liquids, no firewall, and no first-aid fire fighting appliances.
BFP spokesman Bobby Baruelo said notices have already been given to the owners and operators of the business firms to correct violations but they were unheeded.
Baruelo said the BFP has directed concerned fire marshals to ask the local governments to revoke the business permits of the erring establishments. "We have to implement preventive measures like these if only to ensure the people's safety in the business establishments from fire," he said.
Local Government Assistant Secretary Marius Corpus, upon instructions of Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes, earlier directed the BFP to recommend for closure buildings whose owners refuse to correct fire deficiencies or violations noted in their structures.
This is to make sure that all business establishments and other similar places frequented by many people are fireproof.
Under the law, the BFP has the power to recommend for closure buildings and establishments found to be fire hazards or firetraps but it is the local government that is authorized to implement the closure order. (JFF)
(February 2, 2005 issue)
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