Laguna fireworks factory fire deaths increase to 4 -PNP

The death toll from the fire that gutted a fireworks factory in Cabuyao, Laguna on Thursday increased to four, the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A) reported on Friday.

In a 2 a.m. update from PRO 4A public information office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran, the fatalities were identified as:
John Ronald Gonzales Deduro, 23 years old;
Marvin Lamela Ocom, 27;
Ricardo Olic-Olic, 51; and
Bebot Reymundodia, 44.

According to the police, Olic-Olic died at the Global Medical Center of Laguna, while Reymundodia died at the Philippine General Hospital-Manila.

Authorities on Thursday initially reported that two workers were killed and six people were hurt in the fire.

While it had the proper permits, this was not the first time for the fireworks factory to be razed in a fire. There were no fatalities in the previous incidents.

In John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report, a video showed thick, white smoke coming from the factory during the fire.

Firefighters were also seen in a separate video slightly drawing back as loud explosions from the establishment continued.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

“Base sa initial progress report that the PNP has formalized, apparently the business name is under Lebrilla-Aquino Fireworks. We have been in contact with them,” said Cabuyao City Information Officer Aris Mane.

“Sabi ni Mayor, walang hindi malalaman, mananagot ang kailangang managot,” Mane added.

(The mayor said we will investigate and will hold accountable those who are liable for the incident.) 

Mayor Dennis Hain spoke on Facebook Live and called on city hospitals and drug stores to provide medical assistance to the victims, saying the local government would shoulder the costs of the treatments.

“Nakikiusap tayo sa lahat ng ospital, private man yan o public, sa ating lungsod na bigyan po natin ng karampatan panlunas. Lahat ng gamot at pangangailangan ng mga casualties ay ibigay natin,” he said.

(We call on all of our hospitals to extend treatments to the victims.)

“Huwag po mag-aalala sa gagastusin, ang city government ang sasagot ng mga gastos sa mga casualties. Ang mahalaga po ay mailigtas natin ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(Don’t worry about the costs, the city government will shoulder that. What’s important is to save our constituents.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News