Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he had already directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the fire that razed a commercial mall in Davao City over the weekend, where dozens are feared to have died.
“The order was given for the NBI to determine the presence of any criminal liability which led to the fire and the attendant loss of lives. The NBI was also ordered to file the necessary cases against any parties determined by it to be responsible,” the Department of Justice said in a statement on Monday.
“For now, I respectfully request everyone to continue praying for all those affected by this tragedy,” he added.
Although only one person has been confirmed dead, 36 others remain missing and are feared to have perished in the fire.
President Duterte himself visited the worried families on Saturday, consoling them even as he broke in tears when he told them there was a “zero” chance of survival for those who got trapped in the blaze.
Aguirre said the loss of lives and the resulting damage underscored the need to determine if someone is at fault and should be held criminally liable.
The fire broke out from the NCCC mall in Ma-a, Davao City at around 9:30 AM on Saturday and continued to rage until Sunday morning.
The cause of the fire, which originated from the mall’s third floor, remains unknown. (Eagle News Service)
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