BFP declares Divisoria mall a firetrap

The Bureau of Fire Protection said the 168 Mall is a firetrap, with at least 10 violations of the Fire Code of the Philippines.

In his report to the Department of Interior and Local Government, BFP Director Enrique Linsangan said the Divisoria, Manila mall – famous for its cheap merchandise – has narrow pathways and crowded stalls.

“The merchandise and products of the stall owner was in the aisle, passageway or hallway of the mall, obstructing the access to the exits,” Linsangan said, noting that in a fire, people should be able to get out of the mall within three to four minutes.

He also said “the sprinkler head of the mall was covered with stocks of supplies or merchandise while others put their display products on it.”

Linsangan said the team also found the mall did not have enough fire exit signs, and those the mall had were neither luminous nor of standard size, which should be a foot long; first aid fire protection, and allowed the use of the ceiling space as a stock room.

Manila Fire Marshal Felixberto Abrenica said they have issued an order to the management of the 168 Mall to immediately correct all the violations.

Abrenica noted that they will inspect the building again to determine the compliance of the management. Under the law, any building management has a certain timeframe to correct the violations.   – Cecille Suerte Felipe