DPWH building fire did not destroy flood control documents

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that no flood control investigation documents were destroyed in a fire at its Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building in Quezon City.

The fire, which reached the third alarm, was extinguished without any personnel being harmed and was reportedly caused by unsafe electrical connections.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed concern and has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the incident for any malicious motives or deliberate acts, including arson.

NBI director Jaime Santiago confirmed that their forensic investigators are examining the cause of the fire, not ruling out any possibilities.

The DPWH BRS is responsible for research, studies, and policy formulation for government infrastructure projects, and flood-control projects nationwide are currently being assessed for being substandard or non-existent.