BJMP building under construction is on top of a fault line - Phivolcs   

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum confirmed today that part of a building being constructed in Taguig by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penelogy sits on top of the West Valley Fault. 

In an interview with GMA News, Solidum said his agency has verified that the new BJMP High Risk Jail Facility inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan is atop an active fault line.

Solidum said engineers contracted by BJMP already went to Philvolcs Head Office in Quezon City this morning to discuss the problem. 

A BJMP spokesperson told GMA News Friday that the jail bureau was not aware that the project's location poses a problem.  

In a forum held in Manila Monday morning, Solidum reminded the public that it is unsafe to build on top of a fault line and that there should be no exemptions. 

Solidum complained some private firms and government agencies did not consult Phivolcs before implementing construction projects.

As for the BJMP building, Solidum recommends that the portion which lies directly above the fault and within the 5-meter buffer zone be reinforced. The same area should not be occupied, he said.

During the forum, the Phivolcs chief reiterated that the government’s awareness and preparedness campaign is sufficient. What is lacking, however, is efforts to reinforce “non-engineered” low-rise and residential buildings.

Solidum said each homeowner should take steps to make sure their houses are able to withstand quakes. 

Studies projected that in the event of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila, the death toll may reach 30,000 largely due to collapsed low-to mid-rise buildings. - JJ, GMA News