PNP rules out sabotage in Crame fire

The Philippine National Police has ruled out sabotage and terrorism behind the fire that gutted an old logistics building and a warehouse facility inside the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City last Wednesday.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Chief Superintendent Arturo Lomibao said initial investigation conducted yesterday by a joint team from the CIDG and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) revealed the fire was caused by a "tripping" of electricity at the old building of the Logistical Support Service (LSS).

"We took statements and there was no indication of sabotage, foul play, arson or anything of the sort. There was an influx of electricity after a brief power interruption, causing a spark," Lomibao told reporters during an ocular inspection of the site.

BFP head Chief Superintendent Francisco Senot agreed that a "tripping" of the electrical lines sparked the flames that razed the two-story facility.

But an angry President Arroyo wants no stone unturned in the investigation of the fire incident which damaged an estimated P14-million worth of armory. Three firemen and a policeman were wounded.

The President ordered yesterday PNP chief Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to get into the bottom of the two-hour blaze.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye told Palace reporters of Mrs. Arroyo’s directive noting it was "unusual" that the incident took place when the nation was celebrating the 18th anniversary of the first EDSA people power revolt. — With Marichu Villanueva