BFP inspects 168 Mall in Manila - report

MANILA, Philippines - The popular 168 Mall in Manila's Divisoria district on Thursday became the first mall the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) inspected in time for the Christmas shopping season. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that a BFP team inspected the mall, popular for the low prices of its products, for its compliance with fire safety requirements. The mall, which sells mostly products from China, had been known for its narrow pathways and crowded stalls. Meanwhile, with the Christmas season drawing closer, the Bureau of Fire Protection is adopting a two-pronged strategy to prevent or at least minimize fires during the holidays. Radio dzBB reported Thursday that Metro Manila regional head Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta ordered station commanders to give seminars while conducting inspections of establishments. Cordeta said he wants the information drive to focus on what to do in case a fire breaks out, such as remembering the number of the nearest fire station. He also emphasized teaching residents to resist the "temptation" of stacking their belongings on the street, which he said will hamper the movements of firefighters. On the other hand, Cordeta ordered his personnel to conduct thorough inspections of establishments for compliance with fire safety standards. - GMANews.TV