Gutted store in danger of collapse

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Fire Department ordered the clearing of nearby establishments around the Gaisano Capital South as they fear the structure may collapse anytime after a fire hit the department store last week.

Damage caused by the fire was set at P18 million.

As of last night the sixth and seventh floors of the Gaisano Capital South had already collapsed, with debris resting on the fifth floor.

Firefighters also cordoned off the immediate area from vehicle and foot traffic.  

Although the fire has been extinguished, yesterday’s rains, seen to weaken the building, did little to ease their apprehensions.

Visayan Electric Company engineering division staff Teodorico Tuñacao said by today they may be able to return power to establishments surrounding the department store.

If they are unable do this today, Tuñacao said they will install it before year ends.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said that they have already coordinated with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide programs to the affected employees of the department store.

Rama also directed the City’s Manpower Development and Placement headed by Fidel Magno to make a personnel inventory of the employees affected as the city studies what they can offer the employees.

Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Virginia Palanca-Santiago said if there will be a complaint filed against the Bureau of Fire Protection regarding their response to the incident the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas will investigate.

Junrell Villamor, head guard of the establishment said while conducting their rounds early morning last Friday they spotted smoke from the receiving area of the mall prompting to call the assistance of the Cebu City Fire Department

Cebu City Fire Marshal Aderson Comar said when the firefighters tried to open the rollup doors of the receiving area a representative of the department store allegedly stopped them.

Comar said the management only allowed them to enter the building around 4 a.m., four hours after the fire was reported, but Gaisano Capital South human resources officer Eric Lebranda denied this. — /BRP (FREEMAN)