BFP to file charges over Quezon City fire deaths

MANILA, Philippines — Charges will be filed against those determined to be liable for the t-shirt sweatshop fire that left 15 people dead in Tandang Sora, Quezon City earlier this week, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said yesterday.

The BFP said it is investigating the fire at the two-story residential building along Kennedy Drive in Pleasantview Subdivision at around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Initial findings showed that parked vehicles obstructed the exit and may have prevented the victims from escaping.

Stockpiled textiles and wooden structures reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

“While the investigation is ongoing, the BFP assures the public that charges will be filed against accountable individuals on the incident if the evidence warrants,” the bureau said in a statement.

Businesses warned

Following the deadly fire, the Quezon City government has warned businesses operating in the city against falsely declaring the nature of their activities.

“While we are religiously and meticulously complying with the provisions of the ease of doing business law, we will also go after those who misdeclare or lie in their declarations of business activities… or areas (of operations),” Margarita Santos, head of the city’s business permit and licensing department, said during a press conference on Thursday.

“Let us not sacrifice the lives our fellow citizens just so we can earn. Let us be more truthful in our declarations,” she added.

Santos made the remark after it was discovered that the owners of the establishment that caught fire made false declarations when they applied for permits from the city government.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the business permit issued to MGC Wearhouse Inc. was only for trading of ready-to-wear goods and not for t-shirt manufacturing and printing.

It was only supposed to have three employees and operate in a small office within the property, contrary to “sweatshop-like” conditions that fire investigators later discovered.

Officials said the manufacturing aspect of the business was not yet existent when the property was inspected for a fire clearance in 2021. It was not renewed after it expired last year.

Although the owner of the business was among those who died, Belmonte said four other incorporators of the business may face criminal charges.

Santos, meanwhile, said they are doing their best to ensure that all business establishments in the city comply with existing policies.

Belmonte also appealed to the public, especially homeowners’ associations, to help the local government by reporting suspicious operations of businesses in their communities.