Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) – A minor fire broke out on Monday on the sixth floor of the Palacio del Gobernador building in Intramuros where the Bureau of Treasury is located, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed.
The Comelec, which occupies other floors of the same building, said the fire started at around 12:32 p.m. and lasted for less than 10 minutes. Initial reports showed the fire began at the Cooperative Office of the bureau.
In a statement, the poll body assured the public that no election materials were affected by the fire.
“No aspect of the BSKE (barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections) preparations, as well as Comelec general administration activities and regular operations were affected by the fire,” the Comelec said.
It added that frontline services in the issuance of the voter’s registration records and certifications of the National Central File Division will continue as usual.
However, work was suspended in all Comelec departments and offices on Monday to facilitate the Bureau of Fire Protection’s investigation and safety assessment at the sixth floor.
The issuance of overseas voter’s certificates, which is located at the seventh floor of the building, was also suspended until Tuesday, Aug. 1.
