After almost a month of investigation, the Quezon City Police District has filed a case against the incorporators of MGC Warehouse, Inc. who are the owners of the fire-stricken residential unit turned factory  in Tandang Sora. 

The tragic fire happened at 5:30 AM of August 31, 2023, at No 68 Kenny Drive, Pleasant View, Brgy. Tandang Sora, Quezon City and resulted in the death of 15 people. 

A special panel formed by the Quezon City Government and a task force from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) pursued separate investigations to determine possible lapses in the incident, and ensure that justice will be served to the victims and their families.

To shed light on the fire incident that transpired at 5:30 AM of August 31, 2023, at MGC Wearhouse Inc., located at No. 68 Kennedy St., Pleasant View Subdivision, Brgy. Tandang Sora, Quezon City, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) under the helm of PBGEN Redrico Maranan activated the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “WEARHOUSE” for a quick resolution of the incident.

Based on the report of QCPD, on the early morning of September 19, 2023, PMAJ Don Don M Llapitan, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), together with his operatives, proceeded to Occidental Mindoro, to locate the families of the fire victims. They were assisted by the office of Occidental Mindoro Gov. Eduardo Gadiano.

The QCPD team also proceeded to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and took the statements of some of the family members of the victims. 

As a result of the their probe, a case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide was filed against the surviving incorporators of MGC Warehouse, Inc. namely: Catherine Sy; Lina Cavilte; Johanna Cavilte; and Geoffrey Cavilte.

The families of the victims have expressed their profound gratitude to team QCPD and the Quezon City Government for pursuing the criminal charges against the incorporators of MGC Wearhouse, Inc.

For her part, Mayor Belmonte welcomed the filing of the criminal case as it reflects the city government’s resolve to provide justice and establish accountability. 

“We hope that through this development, justice will be served to the 15 individuals who perished during that unfortunate incident. We appreciate the effort of the Quezon City Police District for being committed to feret out the truth,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said. 

“I am immensely proud of the dedication and hard work exhibited by our operatives during this challenging investigation. They have shown exceptional resolve in their mission to bring those responsible to account and provide solace to the victims and their families. I also extend my gratitude to the community for its continued support and cooperation to solve the incident. Together, as one united force, we will strive to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents,” QCPD Director PBGEN Redrico Maranan said.

Belmonte earlier called on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct a thorough investigation, as well as undertake reforms in the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District (BFP-QCFD).

Belmonte made the call as results of the probe conducted by the city government and the Quezon City Council revealed lax inspection, backlog in the examination of businesses, and other lapses in the performance of the BFP-QCFD.

Belmonte also ordered the City Legal Department to form a Special Panel of Investigators to probe the incident and if warranted by evidence, to file the appropriate case(s) against pertinent and surviving officers of the business establishment involved in the deadly fire in Tandang Sora. Local government personnel found to be liable after the conduct of the investigation will likewise face administrative and criminal charges. ###