DPWH: No flood control documents in research building razed by fire

Metro Manila, Philippines - No documents related to the flood control probe were stored in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ research and standard bureau building, which caught fire on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 22, the agency said.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the fire broke out shortly after 12 p.m. and was extinguished at 1:49 p.m.

The Bureau of Research and Standards is responsible for research, studies, pilot testing, and policy formulation of the government’s infrastructure projects.

Citing initial reports, the agency said a computer inside the building’s materials testing division reportedly exploded.

The DPWH said no one was harmed from the fire.

“An investigation team to assess the fire incident has been deployed and is currently conducting a thorough assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the agency said in a statement.

The fire broke out amid investigations into the alleged pocketing of public funds through infrastructure deals.