Fireworks factory owner reassessing operations after fatal blast

MANILA, Philippines - The Cavite-based fireworks firm at the center of a tragedy that killed five people and wounded scores others indicated on Friday it is reassessing its operations following Thursday's blast. In a radio interview, Richard Rivera - spokesman of Starmaker Fireworks - said they are assessing why the accident occurred when the firm's operations have already been downgraded to "shutdown mode." Rivera noted they are saddened over the tragedy which he said took place the morning after they celebrated a profitable year in 2008. "Nag-re-reassess kami kung paano. Malaking blow ito sa aming kumpanya (We're reassessing what we'll do next. This is a big blow to our company)," Rivera said in an interview on dzXL radio. "Naka-shutdown mode na siya, nangyari pa itong aksidente (We are in shutdown mode because the holidays had just ended, yet this accident happened)," he added. The official said the firm's management sympathizes with residents affected by Thursday's blast, saying the firm had been operating for at least 20 years. "Walang may gusto niyan (Nobody wanted this to happen)," he said. On the other hand, Rivera insisted the firm is implementing stringent safety measures in its compound. He said the firm marks as absent employees who fail to wear the proper safety attire, adding all 17 structures inside its compound have a blast wall. Rivera said they will leave it to police to investigate the cause of the blast that killed at least five and left scores wounded. Police said collateral damage had topped P3 million. He refused to comment on speculations that the incident may have been a result of sabotage. But he said the firm, which has 35 employees, had been a multi-awarded company. In the meantime, he said the firm's management went to hospitals where the victims were brought to offer help. He said employees who were wounded will get insurance. "Ang empleyado malalapit talaga sa top manager (The employees are close to the top management)," he said. - GMANews.TV