13 stay-in workers pass lie-detector test

The continuing investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation on the cause of the fire that razed a noodle factory in barangay Cogon-Pardo and killed seven members of a Chinese family two weeks ago showed no signs of arson so far.

These findings was further strengthened after 13 of the factory’s stay-in employees passed the NBI’s polygraph, or lie-detector test, which was done to determine if any of them had knowledge about the cause of the fire.

A source however told The Freeman that the NBI has yet to wrap up its investigation with five more people still to be subjected to the polygraph test.

The polygraph was conducted after laboratory examinations of the debris collected by the NBI earlier showed no indication of arson.

According to the source, the laboratory findings may not be accurate also because the traces of possible arson on the debris may have been contaminated during the firefighting operation.

The NBI findings had tended to corroborate with those of the Cebu City Fire Department that an electrical short circuit caused the fire that hit Eastern Enterprises factory.

NBI regional director Medardo De Lemos assigned supervising agent Jose Hermie Monsanto to lead the investigation of the fire.

The NBI conducted an arson investigation upon the request of the consulate general of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu, and the family of the victims.

The fatalities were Eng Eng Chung Chua, 70; Karen Chua Que, 15; Ada Marie Magallanes Chua, 16; Arvin Magallanes Chua, 13; Helen Chua Que, 42; Arjohn Magallanes Chua, 12 and Kenneth Que Chua, 10.

They died after being trapped at the second floor of the burning house, they could not escape because of the iron grills.

Chinese Consul General Cui Lousheng requested the NBI to investigate the cause of the fire. — Fred P. Languido/RAE