BFP reopens probe into Frasco truck fire

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the provincial level has reopened investigation into the fire that damaged a Mitsubishi Canter truck donated by Cebu Fifth District Rep. Vince “Duke” Frasco even as the town fire marshal earlier labeled it as a mere “accident.”

Frasco’s camp disclosed to the media last February 1 that the provincial office of the BFP has created a special investigation task force to look into the case amid alleged inconsistencies.

Last January 17, Frasco posted on his social media account pictures of a scorched truck he donated to the towns in Camotes. The truck was parked in Barangay Unidos, San Francisco and, according to the post, witnesses claimed to have seen it engulfed by flames  early dawn that day.

Frasco donated the truck for use of the island’s four municipalities: Poro, Tudela, San Francisco, and Pilar

The San Francisco Fire Marshal’s Office then released a memorandum citing “electrical ignition caused by loose connection” as the cause of the fire, thus, ascribing it to “an accident.”

But Frasco, who had earlier raised the possibility of the incident being politically motivated, was not satisfied.

Last January 31, he met with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu Provincial Fire Marshal Supt. Fritzie Manatad, Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Col. Rhoderick Mariano, San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr., members of the BFP, and lawyer Elaine Bathan to discuss the issue further.

In the meeting, Frasco pointed out what he said were inconsistencies in the initial investigation, including the finding that the truck’s engine, dashboard, fusebox, and interior were still intact despite the claim that the fire was ignited by faulty wiring in truck’s engine.

Also, the BFP personnel in the town reportedly arrived in the fire site five hours after the incident was first reported.

Witnesses reported the fire at 2 a.m. but investigators showed up allegedly at around 7 p.m.

The local BFP was also questioned for its alleged failure to take custody of the evidence as per protocol.

These are some of the aspects of investigation the new task force, headed by Chief Insp. Tito Purgatorio, hopes to shed light on.

As a deeper investigation proceeds, Manatad has also recommended for the relief of the local fire investigators concerned. (FREEMAN)