Taguig gov't starts probe on BGC condo construction mishap

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government on Thursdasy started its probe into the collapse of a portion of the condominium building under construction at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on Wednesday morning that left two construction workers dead and 11 others injured.

The Taguig City Public Information Office (PIO) said Mayor Lani Cayetano has ordered the Taguig City Engineer’s Office and the Taguig Local Building Office to conduct the probe.

The Taguig PIO said that the city offices involved in the probe will not be issuing any statements pending the results to avoid fanning speculations.

“Tinitiyak ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Taguig ang pagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon. Ano man po ang kalabasan ng imbestigasyon, kung may kailangang papanagutin ay makaaasa po kayong hindi magdadalawang-isip na magpataw ng kaukulang kaparusahan na naayaon sa batas,” the Taguig PIO said in a statement.

“Habang ginagawa ang pagsisyasat ay umaapela po kami sa lahat na iwasang magbigay ng espekulasyon at hintayin na lamang ang pagtatapos ng imbestigasyon,” the Taguig PIO added.

The upper-ground floor of the still being constructed "The Suites at Bonifacio High Street" collapsed at about 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Taguig Fire Marshal Junito Maslang said a large portion of the building's upper ground floor collapsed on the workers.

Maslang identified the dead workers as Renato dela Cruz and Ruben Racraquiam.

Maslang said Dela Cruz was working on the upper ground floor when it collapsed. Dela Cruz died on arrival at St Lukes Global while Racraquiam's dead body was retrieved from the rubble at 1:35 p.m.

Maslang said Racraquiam was pinned down by concrete slabs.

Those injured were identified as Sandy Vargas, Jaymar Carberta, Regan Labmutin, Larry Magguray, Wendil Behim, Aldrin Gahuman, Roberto Lorca, Darwin Avara, Bernard Tugade, Jonathan Agoso and Delinger Abara.

Maslang said the involved workers are employed by the Makati Development Corp. (MDC).

Asis said the workers were only slightly hurt. Labmutin, Behim, Avara and Tugade were rushed to the nearby St. Luke's Global hospital for emergency treatment. those injured suffered fractures on hands and abrasions.

"Medyo basa pa yung semento nung nag collapse yung sahig," said Asis.

According to the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, formworks supporting the floor gave way during concrete pouring.