Makabayan bloc files House reso for probe on HTI fire

The Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives has filed a resolution urging an investigation on the fire that razed the House Technology Industries building in Cavite last week.

House Resolution No. 747, filed Monday afternoon, is asking the House committee on labor and employment to conduct a probe “on the causes and aftermath” of the said fire, which broke out at the pre-fabricated materials factory on Wednesday night.

At least a hundred people were reported hurt, with one eventually dying of injuries. 

An “independent and public” investigation is sought “amid the refusal of ecozone officials and local government to provide details.”

Gabriela party-list also filed House Resolution No. 746, which seeks an investigation on the working condition inside special economic zones.

“The HTI factory fire is too big a workplace disaster to be dismissed. Up to now, there is no official count of the number of workers injured, or worse killed, during the blaze. What’s only estimated is the damage to property,” Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus said in a statement.

Her fellow representative, Arlene Broses, said they wish to verify accounts they heard on the ground after the fire, notably reports of “deaths and serious injuries.”

HTI management have declared that no human remains were found inside the building after the area was scoured Saturday.

It added that the more than 3,000 workers there at the time of the incident have been accounted for. — RSJ, GMA News