OBO suspends condo operations

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) has issued a suspension of operations, pending the submission of its redesign, to the unit in the high-rise condominium in Brgy. Lahug, Cebu City, where a four-year-old boy fell from its 27th floor last Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

The City government, through OBO led by its head Architect Florante Catalan, conducted an inspection yesterday, April 11, 2024, to check on the safety compliance of the building.

According to Catalan, apart from inspecting the area they also verified what had transpired during the incident that led to the death of the boy.

Upon assessment, it was found out that the units in the condominium have two designs—one with a terrace, and the other one is installed with windows alone without a terrace.

“Didto siya nahulog dili sa terrace, sa may bintana,” said Catalan.

The unit was installed with awning-type windows. Catalan, however, said that the windows were secured since it was also installed with a limiter. The window was installed .45 meters from the floor of the unit.

With the suspension of operation slapped on the said unit where it happened, it means it cannot be rented or utilized until the order is lifted.

Aside from the suspension of operations to the unit, the OBO also recommended that the management check on the other units for them to assess if there’s a need to redesign.

Catalan said this is also to check the architectural design of the window to prevent the same incident from happening again. Aside from this, the OBO has urged the architect of the whole building to come up with another design, which they will be checking afterward to ensure safety compliance.

“Di man gud ta kahilabot sa designer sad gud,” said Catalan.

Further, the management of the condominium was told to submit their incident report on the matter since during the inspection they have yet to receive the official report.

“Atong tan-awon ang ilang bag-ong design, ilang i-submit sa office ayha nato ma lift ang suspension,” said Catalan.

The unit in question was rented out during the time of the incident. Catalan added that based on records, the boy who fell wasn’t declared by those who rented the place out, which is supposed to be protocol.

As of this writing, Catalan said they have yet to conclude who is responsible for the matter as investigation is still ongoing.

Catalan further said that the condominium has complied with all the requirements for the structure. He added that what happened is a matter of “operations.” -  ATO (CEBU NEWS)