Release condo blast probe report, says lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco yesterday questioned the delay in the release of results of the Two Serendra blast nearly two months ago that killed four people.

“We need to know the cause of that explosion and we need to know now. Is the delay caused by plain incompetence or is there an attempt to cover up?” Tiangco said.

“The public, especially the families and loved ones of those who died, deserve to know the cause of their demise,” he said.

Tiangco filed House Resolution No. 64 urging the House committee on public order and safety to investigate the delay in the investigation of the Serendra explosion.

He said residents of Two Serendra and surrounding areas are entitled to know the cause of the blast to ensure that this does not affect the structure of their building and to avoid a similar occurrence from happening again.

“Public safety is at stake here,” Tiangco stressed.

While an investigation was promptly undertaken and foreign consultants were brought in to assist, “as of today, no explanations have been given as to the cause of the explosion,” he said.

“I strongly urge the authorities to complete their investigation and present the public with their findings soon. More than who was at fault, I think we need to know how this blast occurred so the loss of lives could have been avoided, and to ensure that proper measures can be taken to avoid similar tragedies. The number of lives lost cannot be taken lightly,” Tiangco said.