The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Lapu-Lapu City has issued a stern 15-day compliance order to the City Government. This directive follows a fire safety inspection that uncovered significant deficiencies in essential safety devices at the main City Hall building.
Inspection Triggered by Audit Findings
According to Lapu-Lapu City District Fire Marshal FSupt. Arnel Abella, the inspection conducted on Monday, December 15, 2025, was prompted by a recent Commission on Audit (COA) report. The COA report, as published by SunStar Cebu, highlighted unresolved discrepancies dating back to the 2024 audit.
Fire Marshal Abella, in a Tuesday interview, confirmed that the inspection revealed a lack of critical equipment. Missing fire alarms, insufficient emergency lights, and a minimal number of exit signs were among the primary concerns noted by the fire safety team.
City Officials Respond to Findings
Mayor Ma. Cynthia King-Chan had already addressed reporters on December 10, stating her intention to coordinate with Fire Marshal Abella to ensure full compliance. She noted that she had personally ordered the installation of fire extinguishers upon assuming office after noticing their absence.
City Administrator Danilo Almendras separately confirmed he was informed of the inspection. However, as of Monday morning, he had not yet received the official results of the latest report. Almendras stated that the City Government had previously responded to the 2024 COA findings during the exit conference and filed their official comment.
No Progress Since March, Sprinkler System a Challenge
When questioned, Abella revealed a troubling lack of progress. The deficiencies found in the December inspection were identical to those flagged in a previous fire safety inspection conducted in March 2025. This indicates no improvements were made over several months following the COA's initial alert.
Almendras acknowledged one major hurdle: the installation of a sprinkler system, which was first flagged in March, has not been addressed. He cited the prohibitive cost, estimated between P700,000 to P1 million, as a key reason for the delay.
However, Fire Marshal Abella provided some context, explaining that the two-story City Hall building is considered acceptable without a sprinkler system under the fire code. He also noted the City Government's long-term plan to develop a new City Hall, making extensive upgrades to the current infrastructure less practical.
Consequences and Broader Inspection
The BFP's order mandates the City Government to install manual fire alarms and emergency lights, and to address the shortage of fire extinguishers. Failure to comply within the 15-day timeline will result in the issuance of a formal notice of violation.
The fire safety inspection was not limited to the main hall. Inspectors also examined other key offices within the compound, including the General Service Office and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Office, ensuring a comprehensive review of the city's administrative safety.
