DPWH Official Confirms No Sensitive Documents Lost in Recent CAR Office Fire
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III has officially confirmed that no sensitive documents were lost in the fire that struck the DPWH-CAR office on January 14. This statement comes in response to inquiries raised during a Senate hearing on a multi-billion peso flood control anomaly, held on Monday, January 19.
Senator Hontiveros Raises Concerns Over Missing Files
Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the incident during the hearing, following claims by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong that sensitive documents had been destroyed in the blaze. The fire reportedly originated in the record section of the office, prompting further scrutiny.
Senator Hontiveros specifically asked whether the fire was an act of arson, suggesting the possibility that records were intentionally burned. However, Undersecretary Bernabe emphasized that the DPWH is refraining from speculation as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) continues its investigation into the cause of the fire.
Investigation Findings and Document Inventory
According to the DPWH official, the BFP's final report has not yet determined the cause of the fire. However, the department has conducted a thorough inventory of all affected documents. Bernabe stated that the list reveals only old files were lost, with no sensitive materials among them.
He assured that the DPWH maintains a complete record and copies of all documents, mitigating any potential loss. This clarification aims to address concerns about the integrity of official records following the incident.
Background on the Fire Incident
The Baguio Bureau of Fire Protection previously confirmed that the fire broke out in the Financial Management Records Room of the DPWH-CAR office. The incident has sparked discussions about document security and transparency within government agencies.
As the investigation progresses, the DPWH remains committed to cooperating with authorities to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the event and its implications.
