A fire engulfed the Manila Central Post Office on Sunday night with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declaring the highest fire alarm level.
One person, identified as Toto Roslin, 43 years old, was reported injured according to a GMA News report. Staff of the post office said that they woke up due to smoke prompting them to call for firefighters.
The fire was declared under control on Monday morning, 7:22AM. Fire investigators said that the fire could have started from the basement and reached the top floors.
Mark Laurente, chief of staff of the postmaster general, said in a GMA News report that the fire started from the basement’s south side where the maintenance room and the storage room for the Mega Manila Office are located. Paper and wood materials were stored there.
Senators expressed regret over the fire at the Manila Post Office.
“Senate President Zubiri messaged that we have to work w/ the budget department towards finding funds to help restore the Post office (which had a fire). Agree it’s a national treasure – designed by national artist Juan Arellano,” Senator Sonny Angara said.
“The City of Manila is willing to extend assistance, if needed, to the Manila Central Post Office in light of today’s incident. This was declared by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan when she visited the Manila Central Post Office this morning. The details of assistance will be discussed later on with the national government, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna said.