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The company said they have raised $115,000 (P5.8 million) for families of the fire victims and is now making preparations to release the funds.
“Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family,” said Gary S. Laben, chief executive officer.
Fire Supt. Jerry Candido, the Interagency Anti-Arson Task Force deputy team leader and spokesperson, said that the NCCC Mall Davao and SSI failed to comply with fire safety requirements, which led to the death of 38 workers who were trapped inside the four-story building.
Candido said that the establishments did not comply with the fire suppression requirement after investigators found lapses in the setup of the mall’s fire alarm, sprinkler system, and fire exits.
Matunog added they would review the emergency procedures, most especially in responding to fire emergency procedures, as he acknowledged what the BPOs have adopted are “not sufficient” and did not anticipate that fire “was also as serious.”
“We have realized we will have to review our emergency procedures, especially in so far as fire is concerned because you really do not know what you are preparing for,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
