Former judge and NBI director ‘Jimmy’ Santiago. (Photo from the Philippine News Agency)
Following the full-scale invedtigation into the fire that gutted a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office in Quezon City housing records linked to flood control projects, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) enthused that arson was possible amid suspicions the blaze could be connected to ongoing probe over corruption in the agency.
According to NBI director Jaime ‘Jimmy’ Santiago, who remains the Bureau’s chief pending his replacement after his resignation, the bureau’s forensic team is examining the remains of the DPWH Region 4B (Mimaropa) office along NIA Road, Barangay Pinyahan and there were initial findings that indicate it was no accident. Doubts of arson stemmed from the fact that the burnt DPWH building also accommodates the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) and the agency’s materials testing facilities, which could be used in the ongoing graft probe by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“We are not ruling out any possibility, including arson,” Santiago spelled out in a medua interview.
“The nature of the records stored in that facility warrants a very careful and thorough investigation,” the NBI chief added.
Citing initial findings from fire officials, he clarified that the fire appeared to have started on the third floor, which contained documents related to the Mindoro flood control project. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) initially attributed the fire to the unsafe use of multiple extension cords and power strips, commonly referred to as ‘octopus’ connections.
“The fire reportedly started on the third floor due to improper and hazardous use of electrical cords and extension wires,” Santiago noted, but added that investigators “will look at all angles” until the cause is confirmed.
At present, the building has already been cordoned off by the NBI as a crime scene while coordinating with the BFP to secure evidence, including computers, hard drives and other storage devices that may contain relevant data.
“All those occupying the third floor, where the fire began, will be called to give statements,” Santiago announced.