Damage in Palawan shopping center fire pegged at P20M -- BFP

The blaze that gutted the upper floors of the NCCC shopping center in Puerto Princesa City last Monday caused at least P20 million in damage to property, fire officials said Wednesday.

Bureau of Fire Protection officials in Puerto Princesa City said much of the damage was on the third and fourth floors, radio dzBB's James Viernes reported.

The shopping center carries clothes and other dry goods on the upper floors, and houses a sprawling grocery on the ground level. It is part of a retail chain based in Davao City.

City BFP officials said they are waiting for sworn statements from employees of the commercial complex to get additional details on the properties damaged by the fire.

The fire was believed to have stemmed from a spark at a construction site beside the main building. The city fire department said it is possible a welding job at the rooftop was the cause of the fire.

Initial investigation showed the fire started at about 10 p.m. Monday and was placed under control past 3 a.m. Tuesday. — LBG, GMA News