Research Now SSI says it is providing support for Davao mall fire victims

Texas-based Research Now SSI on Monday said it is continuing to provide support for its employees affected by the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) blaze in Davao City.

The December 23 fire killed at least 37 of the call center's agents, who were trapped on the fourth floor.

In a press release, the company underscored that it is still paying its Davao employees despite the loss of the facility, and that it is currently exploring avenues to provide them with employment.

"Our Davao employees have shown incredible resiliency and strength in the wake of the tragedy. We are committed to helping sustain them as members of our global company and as part of the Research Now SSI family," said CEO Gary Laben in the statement.

The company added that the the employees and the victims' families have also been receiving counseling.

"These moves are in line with the company's top priority of ensuring the welfare of the families of the victims and the well-being of employees, while cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of the fire," Research Now SSI said.

It added that it has reached US$115,000 in additional funds for the families of the victims.

Last week, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) issued an indefinite suspension on Research Now SSI's registration as a business processing outsourcing (BPO) firm.

Aside from the 37 call center agents killed, one mall employee also died in the fire.

Fire investigators have concluded that an electrical short circuit was the cause of the deadly blaze. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News