Raps eyed vs owner of collapsed building

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is considering filing charges against the owner of a structure that collapsed into a creek in Barangay Del Monte on Friday.

In a statement, the city government said yesterday the structure, used as a storage area for the owner’s glass and aluminum business, is illegal as it has no building permit from the city’s department of building official (DBO).

The DBO recommended the filing of a criminal complaint against the unidentified owner for violation of Section 301 of the National Building Code.

The structure along West Riverside street collapsed just as Tropical Storm Butchoy exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday. No one was hurt in the collapse.

Following the incident, concerned city government offices recommended reclaiming the five-meter easement of the creek and building a retaining wall to reinforce the area from erosion.

The DBO also reminded all barangay captains to report all illegal structures, such as those located next to waterways.

The city’s housing community development and resettlement department suggested the immediate relocation of around 105 informal settler families in Barangay Del Monte, including 20 living near the site of the incident.

The city government said they will work and coordinate with the National Housing Authority, the agency tasked to relocate families living along waterways, for their immediate transfer.