MANILA — The death toll at the fire that burned Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino in Ermita Manila starting Sunday morning climbed to five on Monday.
Authorities identified the casualties as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) treasury officer Edilberto Evangelista, assistant treasury officer Marilyn Omadto, security guard Billy Rey de Castro, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators Mark John Sabido and Jocris Banang.
Pagcor also confirmed on Monday that another Pagcor employee, Jennilyn Figueroa, who was revived Sunday from the fire, was in critical condition and under continued observation as of this news’ posting.
Firefighters described the first seven floors of the 22-storey five-star hotel at the corner of Maria Orosa St. and United Nations Avenue in Ermita district, Manila City as “totally damaged”.
Fire Supt. Jonas Silvano, Manila Fire District Marshal, on Monday said the fire gutted the hotel’s ground floor up to the seventh floor.
In its initial probe, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started on the first floor of the building. But it was still determining the cause of the fire as of Monday.
It was learned that the second floor of the building was being used as the stock room of materials, as the hotel was “under renovation”.
“Fire-out” was declared at 10:56 Monday morning, more than 24 hours after the fire reportedly broke out.
Incidentally, the fire took place in the middle of the country’s observation of “Fire Prevention Month”. (PNA)
