Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 13) — The Quezon City government on Saturday said the building that fell into a river in Barangay Del Monte was “illegal” and did not have a proper permit.
Although no one was hurt when the three-story building fell into the water in West Riverside St., local officials said they have recommended charges against the owners for violating the National Building Code.
“Based on initial investigation, the owner of the structure failed to obtain a building permit from the Department of Building Official (DBO), making the structure illegal,” local officials said in a statement.
The structure was used for storage for glass and aluminum, the statement added.
On Friday, photos of the collapsed building went viral with the caption saying it gave way at 2:45 a.m. while the owners were asleep.
“When I got up, I was shocked to see our house eroding and falling into the river,” the post read.
It added that the land “was passed on” to the residents by their great grandfather.
The government also said the DBO, engineering department and disaster risk office recommended to reclaim easement of five meters and to build a wall to “reinforce against erosion.”
The Quezon City government said officials also suggested the relocation of around 105 informal settlers in the barangay, including 20 in West Riverside Street.
