THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will ask the assistance of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to fast-track their investigation to determine the cause of fire that hit the Java Pension House, a former Bascon Hotel, in Gonzaga-Locsin streets where six people including a minor were killed on Tuesday morning, November 26.

City Fire Marshal Publio Ploteña said Thursday that they already have a lead, but he refused to divulge further information while the investigation is ongoing.

He said they are also looking into the possibility of arson based on the statements of the witnesses who allegedly saw unidentified men torched a helmet at the floor.

“We will ask the assistance of our BCPO director Colonel Henry Binas for our investigation and we are hopeful that it will be resolved soon,” added.

The fatalities were identified as Christopher Java, 33, the owner of the pension house; his 12-year-old son Christian Miguel; his 73-year-old mother, Magdalena; Ronalyn Dacallo, Miguel’s nanny; the front desk officer Arnold Felomino; and Arnel Bajenting, a resident of Cebu City, who was only identified on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Mayor Evelio Leonardia also held a meeting with the BFP, BCPO, and the Office of the Building Official (OBO) and discussed the situation in the area before the fire incident.

“A thorough investigation should be conducted on this. If the allegation is true so there should be criminal responsibility here, give justice to all the victims,” Leonardia said.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of BCPO, said they are willing to assist the BFP to probe the allegation of the witnesses.

“We will help them to fast track the investigation,” he said. (MAP)