Reconstruction work starts at NCRPO building

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao approved the release of P12 million for the repair of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) buildings damaged by the explosion that hit the ammunition dump of the Logistic Support Service (LSS0 last Sept. 12

Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol said police engineers have started work on the NCRPO main building and the signal and supply rooms.

"We expect repair works to be over before the year ends," said Querol. "Hopefully, we can finish the repairs before Christmas Day."

Aside from the NCRPO main headquarters and the signal and supply rooms, other buildings damaged by the blast were the Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU), chapel, recreation hall, Day Care Center, and the Communication and Electronics Office (Commel).

The blast destroyed steel structures and glass doors and windows of majority of the buildings, said Querol.

Initial report blamed the lightning for triggering the blast, which damaged police and private establishments within a one-kilometer radius. The explosion left 107 people injured, including six policemen.

Lomibao promised to shoulder the repairs not only of the NCRPO buildings but also the private establishments like a number of food chains located outside the police camp.

"We received reports that fast- food chains outside the NCRPO were also damaged but as of now they have not come forward to file a claim for repair funds," said Querol.

Querol emphasized that the ammunition dump is being run by the PNP’s Logistics Support Services (LSS) and the NCRPO is only hosting it.

Constructed in 1978, the ammo dump is used as a storage facility of all explosives like C-4, ammonium nitrate, pillbox, molotov, claymore mines, dynamites and TNT, confiscated by the police and military in their anti-crime and anti-terrorists operations. — Non Alquitran