Resolution seeking probe on fire incident approved

THE Municipal Government of Palo, Leyte will conduct a thorough investigation on the fire incident that occurred in Barangay Saint Michael early morning of Monday this week.

Municipal Councilor Wilson Uy in an interview said that the Municipal Council members, during their regular session last Tuesday morning, passed a resolution seeking for an investigation on the incident to provide concrete information as to why the incident happened.

The passage of the resolution was based on a request made by Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Uy said the Municipal Council would conduct such investigation to clarify whether the fire department of Palo has neglected its duty on responding immediately to the fire incident.

“We would be conducting an investigation to know what really happened that day because some people blame the fire department for responding slowly. Some accused that the telephone line was busy; others also said their fire truck did not function and the fire hydrant they have in St. Michael was not functional,” he said.

Uy said that on their initial investigation, they learned that the telephone line of the fire department was not functioning.

“Actually, the telephone line used by the fire department and police stations are granted for free by Bayantel communications for emergency purposes. In fact, this telephone only accepts incoming calls,” Uy added.

“We also found out that the fire department added an internet service over the telephone line, making them unable to pay their bills to Bayantel since January,” he said.

The fire destroyed three houses, with an initial damage cost of P3 million, the mayor said. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)