BFP regional director orders inspection of establishments

The Central Visayas director of the Bureau of Fire Protection has ordered all provincial fire marshals in the region to conduct an immediate inspection of all commercial establishments in their respective area to ensure that building owners comply with the fire safety regulations and standards.

BFP regional director Victoriano Remedio issued the order yesterday in the wake of the fire that killed at least 25 people inside a department store in Ormoc City last Christmas Day.

In his memorandum, Remedio ordered the provincial fire marshals in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to ensure that structures, especially those in highly populated areas, have adequate and fully functioning fire exits, fire alarms, smoke detectors and other fire safety equipment and facilities.

Remedio also instructed the provincial marshals to closely coordinate with the Philippine National Police and their local chief executives on the immediate confiscation of those illegally sold pyrotechnic materials.

Cebu City fire marshal Esmael Codilla already started yesterday their inspection of different department stores in the city.

Under the Fire Code, pyrotechnic materials should not be sold inside enclosed structures, but only in open spaces. Remedio's memorandum was based on the order from Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

In his memorandum issued last Wednesday to BFP chief Jose Collado, Puno ordered an immediate inspection of all establishments, especially the department stores, to avoid repetition of the Ormoc tragedy.

The 25th fatality of the fire died early yesterday at a hospital in Ormoc City. Teresa Tarayo passed away at 4:00 a.m. while her three-year-old child remains in critical condition. - Fred P. Languido/LPM