The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has revoked the Fire Safety Inspection Certificate of Gentle Hands, Inc. orphanage in Quezon City, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday, May 26.
In a news release, the DSWD said the BFP-Quezon City conducted a fire safety inspection at the orphanage on May 24.
“GHI was found to have violated pertinent provisions of the revised implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines during said inspection, resulting [in] the revocation of its Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC),” Senior Supt. Aristotle Banaga, acting Quezon City district marshal, said in his report to the DSWD.
Banaga said the BFP can revoke fire permits of establishments that are “found to have imperiled public safety.”
“Our office is strictly monitoring for compliance and corrections of the defects and deficiencies stipulated in the Notice to Comply (NTC), which we have immediately issued after the conduct of the said fire safety inspection,” he said.
The orphanage was issued a cease and desist order early this week due to alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.
READ MORE: DSWD issues cease and desist order vs orphanage in QC
The DSWD said among the concerns observed in the facility were the lack of proper fire safety and overcapacity. AG–cf
