Sensitive DPWH records unaffected in Baguio fire; probe underway

Originating in the building’s Financial Management Records Room, a fire broke out at the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region (DPWH-CAR) office on Jan. 14.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started on the ground floor of the DPWH-CAR office at Engineer’s Hill and affected an area of approximately one square meter.

The fire was reported at 5:25 p.m., brought under control at 5:36 p.m., and declared extinguished at 5:43 p.m, while no injuries were reported and minimal damage occurred.

Investigators said the fire affected a large vault that reportedly contained sensitive DPWH documents.

The vault, however, is fireproof, and its contents, duplicate copies of DPWH records already submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA), were not damaged.

Some samples and evidence were collected from the scene and sent for testing.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said authorities are waiting for the results of the ongoing investigation before drawing conclusions on the incident.

“Siguro it would take about five days. Siguro by Monday, magkakaroon na talaga ng linaw kung ano talagang nangyari,” Magalong said.

The regional office has been placed under tight security on orders of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, with no one allowed to enter the premises while the scene-of-the-crime investigation is ongoing.

BFP officials said initial information indicated the fire may have originated from the building’s stock room, with witnesses reporting sparks from a nearby electric post, power fluctuations, and a burning smell before the blaze.

The incident occurred amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption involving DPWH projects. However, authorities said there is no indication that the fire is connected to the probes.