MANILA — Mayor Honey Lacuna of this city extended her deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who perished in the fire that engulfed a residential-commercial building on Carvajal Street in Binondo on Friday morning (02 Aug 2024).

Initial reports indicate that 11 people have lost their lives.

The Manila Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) promptly dispatched aid to assist the families of the victims and those who lost property. The assistance includes psycho-social support, medical aid, and financial help.

Authorities are awaiting the official report from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has confirmed that the fire was extinguished at around 10:00 a.m.

In response to the tragedy, Mayor Lacuna announced that she would issue a memorandum instructing all building and fire officials to conduct thorough inspections of all structures within the city.

Priority will be given to buildings at the highest risk of fire, particularly those that are at least 15 years old, to ensure their compliance with the National Building Code and the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines.

“These checks are to ensure strict compliance with existing building and fire regulations, aiming to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to safeguard the well-being of our residents,” Mayor Lacuna stated.

“Once again, heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Lacuna said.

(ia/mnm)