Duterte vows assistance to Davao City mall fire victims

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte broke down into tears last Saturday during his meeting with families of the victims of the New City Commercial Center fire in his hometown Davao City.

 

Duterte, known for his strongman image and tough talk, wept upon hearing the news that the victims who were trapped inside the mall might have zero chance of survival, a Malacañang photo release said.

 

READ: Davao mall fire: 1 dead, 'zero' survival chance of 36 others feared

 

The president was seen consoling the kin of the victims with his children Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go, priests, nuns, fire officials and local government personnel.

 

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte had promised to provide assistance to the victims’ families.  

 

“The president went unannounced last night to the NCCC mall and assured the relatives of the victims that the government would extend help,” Roque said in a statement.

 

“Let us include them in our prayers in this moment of grief,” he added.

 

The Bureau of Fire Protection is determining the extent of the damage and the cause of the fire, which happened two days before Christmas.

 

A total of 37 persons were feared trapped in the four-story shopping center that was razed by a fire last Saturday.

 

READ: 37 employees feared trapped in Davao City mall fire

 

The Davao City government identified the missing persons as Jessica Solis, Gantioco Celestial Jr., Ian Kiem Adlawan, Regine Generales, Christen Joy Garzon, Apple Jane Celades, Iana Apalacio, Jonas Basalan, Jim Benedict Quimsing, Kurtchin Angela Bangoy, Mary Joy Daluro, Randy Balcao, Rosyl Montanez, Missy Rose Artiaga, Analiza Penarejo, Christine Joy Ferraren, Ivan Roble, Christine Alviola, Alexandra Moreno Castillo, Desiree Gayle Zacarias, Jesseca Samontina, Mary Louielyn Bongcayao, Mary Louielyn Bongcayao, Nancy Loyd Abad, Nancy Loyd Abad, Jeffrey Sismar, Johani Matundo, Joyne Pabelonia, Elyn Joy Yorsua, Shiela Mae Bacaling, Lister Jade Entera, Charlyn Liwaya, Mikko Demafeliz, Roderick Antipuesto, Rhenzi Nova Muyco, Roderick Constantinopla, Roderick Constantinopla, Venus Joy Kimpo, Venus Joy Kimpo, Janine Joy Obo and a certain Hongijangjian.