Minglanilla court fire caused by employee, says SC chief Gesmundo

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday said a court employee caused the fire at a municipal trial court in Minglanilla, Cebu.

In a media briefing, Gesmundo said this was based on the initial report he received from the police.

"Medyo problematic ang naging sitwasyon kasi court employee 'yung nag-umpisa nung sunog… May problema yata siya so ni-lock niya 'yung pinto nung court at sinindihan niya 'yung mga records," he said.

(The situation was somewhat problematic because a court employee started the fire. He probably had a problem so he locked the doors of the court and set fire to the records.)

Gesmundo said other personnel were unable to immediately leave the building.

"Pero awa naman ng Diyos… nasa pagamutan na at maayos naman," he said.

(Thank God they are currently in the hospital and are in good condition.)

When asked if the culprit was arrested, Gesmundo said the employee took his own life.

He said he also asked an executive judge in Minglanilla what assistance the Supreme Court could extend following the incident.

"We're addressing it. In fact, this morning I told the executive judge in the area to assess the situation and to report to me or inform me what assistance we can to extend," Gesmundo said. —KBK, GMA Integrated News