Wall collapse victims urged to file raps vs contractor

Victims of last Thursday’s tragic construction site accident that resulted in the death of three workers are expected to file charges against the construction firm tasked to build the Wilcon Builders Depot in Parañaque within the week.

Police said multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injury cases can be lodged against Five Red Stallion based on grave negligence.

Parañaque City police – Station Investigation Division (SID) chief  Senior Inspector Glen Tecson said relatives of those who died or were hurt in the accident will have to file their respective complaints before his men can move forward and file appropriate criminal charges.

“The City Engineering Department is conducting an inquiry to determine liability. Meanwhile, the victims can come to us and file complaints,” he told The STAR in an interview.

Tecson said none of the victims have come forward so far since they are still probably grieving over the death of their loved ones.

On Friday, city engineering and building officials took debris samples from the construction site where a wall collapsed and killed three workers, identified as Lazaro Ramos, Balbino Ocampo, and Justinio Abesamis. Architect Elmor Vita said the debris samples will be sent to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for examination.

“We did some sampling as part of the investigation,” he said after personally inspecting the site along Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Barangay San Dionisio.

Vita said the DPWH, through its Bureau of Research and Standards, will analyze the samples to determine if sub-standard materials were used.

Engineer Wilson Herrera of Five Red Stallion said what happened last Thursday was no more than an unfortunate accident and assured that their company will not run away from its responsibility of attending to the needs of the victims.

He said the families of those  who died and were injured in the incident will receive financial assistance to cover hospital bills, burial expenses, and other needs.

Vita said all construction operations at the Wilcon Builders Depot have been suspended pending the result of the investigation.

He added that he has also ordered the demolition of what remains of the high wall that collapsed to ensure the safety of everyone.

Initial investigation reports reveal that the workers used the wall as an anchor to move construction materials upwards, causing the wall to collapse because of too much weight.