QC forms special panel to probe Tandang Sora fire

The Quezon City government on Saturday said that it has formed a special panel of investigators to probe the fire that broke out in Barangay Tandang Sora.

The investigators will look into possible violations and if warranted by evidence, the local government unit (LGU) will file appropriate cases, according to a statement released by Quezon City. 

The Tandang Sora fire occurred in a three-story residence which was turned into a manufacturing building around 5:30 AM last Thursday.

15 people including a three-year-old child died in the incident.

 According to Quezon City's Department of Building Official (DBO) the establishment does not have a building permit under the name of the owner and the same address.

“Kalunos-lunos ‘yung nangyaring sunog na hindi mangyayari kung tama sana ang idineklarang negosyo ng korporasyon. Mas hihigpitan pa natin ‘yung proseso at assessment bago makakuha ng permit lalo na para sa mga negosyong nakatayo o itatayo sa loob ng subdivisions o high-density residential areas,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Belmonte has also ordered a more rigorous inspections for businesses operating in subdivisions and other residential areas.

“Ang trahedyang ito ay naiwasan sana kung walang palusot at panlilinlang na nangyari. Buhay ang naging kapalit ng hindi tamang pagsunod sa ating mga batas at regulasyon. Hindi natin ito hahayaang maulit," added Belmonte. 

Administrative and criminal cases will also be filed against local government personnel found to be liable after the conduct of the investigation, Quezon City said in its statement.

The Bureau of Fire Protection on Friday said charges would be filed against those accountable for the Tandang Sora fire. 

“The BFP assures the public that charges will be filed against accountable individuals on the incident if evidence warrants,” said the BFP in a statement. —Jiselle Anne Casuscian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News