Sara Duterte eyes legal action vs. developer of earthquake-damaged condo

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said the local government was studying legal actions that it may take against the developer of the condominium that was heavily damaged after the 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit Mindanao on Thursday morning.

In an interview on "24 Oras", Duterte identified the developer of Ecoland 4000 Residences as DMC Urban Property Developers Inc.

“Ni-refer na po namin sa Office of the City Legal kung meron pong possible legal action ang city government against dun sa building administrator and against dun sa owner ng condominium,” Sara said.

Nine people were hurt in the partial collapse of the complex.

Central 911 said there were no occupants in the third, fourth, and fifth floors of the five-story condominium.

“Meron na lang tayong chine-check dito sa second floor kasi ito po ‘yung naipit at hindi na makita ‘yung mga windows,” Sata said.

The mayor said she expected the search and rescue team to clear Ecoland 4000 by Thursday night.

GMA News Online has sought to DMC Urban Property Developers Inc. for comment, but they are yet to respond as of writing.

The earthquake struck at 9:11 a.m. on Thursday in Tulunan, Cotabato, according to PHIVOLCS. 

The death toll has risen to five, while four others were reported missing. —Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News