Fire hits Russian embassy

MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out at the embassy of the Russian Federation in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City on Friday night.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said around P101.1 million worth of property was destroyed in the fire, which started at around 8:25 p.m. and reached second alarm.

Arson probers said the fire started on the second floor of the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Eighteen fire trucks and three ambulances responded.

The fire was placed under control at around 9:38 p.m., according to the BFP. The blaze was put out at around 2:10 a.m. yesterday.

The Russian foreign ministry said yesterday no one was injured in the fire.

“According to preliminary data, serious damage has been done to the building. A probe is underway,” the ministry added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is relieved that Ambassador Marat Pavlov and all his personnel are accounted for and safe.

“The Russian embassy is taking measures to ensure the integrity and security of the chancery premises and the properties inside... taking special care that diplomatic correspondence is protected,” the DFA said.

The agency assured the embassy that “it upholds the inviolability of the mission’s premises and its right to protection from intrusion or disturbance as provided under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”