By Gabriela Baron
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Sunday, March 12, urged the public to avoid malicious speculation about the cause of the fire that hit Baguio City Market Public late Saturday night, March 11.
The blaze, that struck Block 3 and Block 4 of the market, was declared fire out around 4:38 a.m. Sunday.
Magalong said the cause is not yet established and appealed for the public to not fan rumors and gossip.
“Let us be respectful of each other’s sensibilities, avoiding retailing public jokes and even baseless comments that the fire was purposely done for selfish interest,” Magalong said.
“This level of reaction to a public tragedy serves no purpose than to belittle the plight that fire victims are now experiencing. It also disregards the self sacrifice that our frontline responders offered in putting the fire under control,” he added.
Magalong also urged the public to “be mindful of the economic loss and the disruption of jobs and livelihoods severely affecting all concerned.”
“This is not the time for malicious speculation, even if said in jest,” he continued.
The mayor said the city government is coordinating relief and recovery measures to aid those affected by the fire.
Meanwhile, according to the city’s Public Information Office, the market will remain open, except for the burned areas.
It also assured that the city government will fast-track the relocation of the affected vendors for them to resume operations soon. – cf
