Fatal Factory Fire: Reckless Inc. Face Homicide Charges
The owners of MGC Wearhouse, Inc., a residential unit turned factory in Tandang Sora, are facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides. The Quezon City Police District has filed a case against Catherine Sy, Lina Cavilte, Johanna Cavilte, and Geoffrey Cavilte, the surviving incorporators of the company. This comes after a fire broke out on August 31, 2023, engulfing the factory and tragically claiming the lives of 15 people.
Following the incident, a special panel formed by the Quezon City Government and a task force from the Quezon City Police District conducted separate investigations. Their efforts led to the identification of the company incorporators and the subsequent filing of charges against them.
In an effort to seek justice for the victims, the Quezon City Police District dispatched a team to locate and assist the families of the fire victims in Occidental Mindoro. Statements were taken from family members, which provided crucial information for the case.
Mayor Joy Belmonte has expressed her appreciation for the diligent work of the Quezon City Police District in pursuing the truth. She hopes that this development will serve to deliver justice to the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Earlier, Mayor Belmonte had called on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct a thorough investigation and implement necessary reforms within the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District. It was revealed that there were lax inspection procedures, a backlog in business examinations, and other lapses in the performance of the BFP-QCFD.
Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga, the Quezon City fire marshal, has taken a leave of absence following Mayor Belmonte’s request for his removal. The mayor had recommended his relief, along with Fire Safety Enforcement Section head Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion, due to their identified lapses.
BFP chief Director Louie Puracan confirmed that Bañaga filed his leave of absence in response to the news reports and recommendations for his removal.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the importance of adequate fire safety measures and proper oversight to prevent such tragic incidents. The need for reforms within the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District becomes even more apparent, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the city.
