‘Heads will roll over Zambo fire deaths’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Market officials here face charges and suspension for last Sunday’s fire that left 15 people dead, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said yesterday.

Salazar said she would order the suspension of concerned officials after getting a report on the victims. She cited a city ordinance preventing unauthorized personnel from staying in the market at night.

 She directed acting city administrator Elmeir Apolinario and city legal officer Jesus Carbon to lead the probe being conducted by the city government. 

“Fifteen people have died. Let us allow the investigation to proceed because it is very, very dangerous if we are going to speculate,” Salazar said.

An inter-agency investigating team dispatched by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento arrived here Monday to conduct a parallel investigation. 

Senior Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr., city fire marshal, said fire investigators have ruled out arson. 

The fire, which injured 13 others, also razed around 300 stalls and a three-story commercial building.

Damage to property was initially placed at P8 million.