BFP recommends closure of 12 Metro dorms

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recommended the closure of 12 dormitories and boarding houses in Metro Manila after owners failed to address violations of the Fire Code and other fire safety requirements.

In a report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, the BFP reported that owners of the establishments failed to comply with regulations despite repeated notices.

As of May 30, the dormitories recommended for closure were the Louella Ladies Dormitory located on Lerma street in Sampaloc; Lady Carmel Bedspacer on R. Papa street, Sampaloc; boarding house operated by Francisco Canillas on G. Tolentino street in Sampaloc; Vanity Ladies Dormitory on San Sebastian street in Quiapo; Heirs Management at Loyola corner M. de la Fuente in Sampaloc; Mary Mount Dormitory on P. Noval street in Sampaloc; boarding houses operated by Lucita Patajo Fernandez on P. Paredes street and Ginory Holdings Corp. on Lerma street, both in Sampaloc; Sapugay Boarding House on Carvajal street in Binondo; bedspaces offered by Erlinda Madrilejos on B. Paquita street in Sampaloc; those owned by Ramon Sy on Ayala Boulevard in Ermita; and Violeta Caudillo, also on Ayala Boulevard in Ermita.

Of the 309 dormitories inspected by the BFP, 230 are in Manila; 41 in Valenzuela; 10 in Las Pinas; nine in Quezon City; five in Parañaque; four in Pasay; three in Muntinlupa; two in Makati; two in Caloocan; two in Mandaluyong and one in San Juan.

BFP Director Rogelio Asignado said owners of 126 other establishments have been notified to correct violations including the lack of fire protection equipment inside their buildings and failure to apply for the necessary permits.

Asignado also said 60 other dormitories in the metropolis to have complied with fire safety laws and standards.

The BFP found no dormitories in Navotas during inspections conducted on May 13-25.

Pasig had no available record at hand for dormitories, while Taguig had no registered or unregistered dormitories or boarding houses, the BFP report noted.

Marikina City has no registered dormitory. Some residential houses were converted into bedspaces, which are subject for closure for non-securing of business permits," the BFP report stated. Malabon did not submit any report to the BFP.

Earlier, Puno ordered fire inspectors to strictly implement the provisions of the Fire Code especially in their follow-up inspection of dormitories and boarding houses nationwide even as he warned them that they face administrative charges if found to be accepting favors or bribes in exchange for laxity in the implementation of the law and other fire safety regulations.