DAVAO CITY – Fire fighters have recovered one body from the ruins of a shopping mall while they continue searching Sunday for at least three dozen others trapped in the fire that gutted the building in Davao City in southern Philippines.
Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, quoting a report from his sister, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, rescuers were still searching for the others who failed to get out of the burning NCCC Mall, one of the biggest in Davao City.
The fire broke out on Saturday in Maa village, but the cause of the conflagration is still unknown although the Bureau of Fire Protection is currently investigating this. The mayor called the fire “an unfortunate incident.”
“Sad day. Mayor Inday Sara Duterte says one dead body was recovered from NCCC mall. She said the priority of the operations now is to find all the missing persons — 37,” the vice mayor said.
Mayor Duterte ordered authorities not to stop searching for the others still missing. ““Do not stop until you find the 37 (persons),” she ordered authorities, adding, the grieving families of those missing were being aided by the local government.
She also urged the public to wait for official reports and avoid speculations and stop blaming rescuers for not immediately locating those missing as she commended BFP rescuers and volunteer fire fighters for responding appropriately despite the dangers they faced and the limited manpower and resources they have.
Vice Mayor Duterte has called on citizens to pray for the safety of those missing, although the BFP said the chances of their survival is slim. “Let us pray for them. A while ago, the ground commander of BFP already announced that their chances of survival is zero.”
He identified those missing as Jessica Solis, Gantioco Celestial Jr, Ian Kiem Adlawan, Regine Generales, Christen Joy Garzon, Apple Jane Celades, Iana Apalacio, Jonas Basalan, Jim Benedict Quimsing, Kurtchin Angela Bangoy, Mary Joy Daluro, Randy Balcao, Rosyl Montanez, Missy Rose Artiaga, Analiza Penarejo, Christine Joy Ferraren, Ivan Roble, Christine Alviola, and Alexandra Moreno Castillo Hongijangjian.
Also missing were Desiree Gayle Zacarias, Jesseca Samontina, Mary Louielyn Bongcayao, Nancy Loyd Abad, Jeffrey Sismar, Johani Matundo, Joyne Pabelonia, Elyn Joy Yorsua, Shiela Mae Bacaling, Mark Entera, Charlyn Liwaya, Mikko Demafeliz, Roderick Antipuesto, Rhenzi Nova Muyco, Roderick Constantinopla, Venus Joy Kimpo and Janine Joy Obo.
President Rodrigo Duterte has met with the families of the missing, mostly employees, and assured them that authorities were doing everything to find the victims. (Mindanao Examiner)
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