5 confirmed dead as hotel fire declared over after 25 hours

March 19, 2018

Authorities on Monday confirmed that five people perished after the 255-hour blaze at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion.

In a press conference, officials from the Bureau of Fire said five employees of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) died in the incident.

"As per yesterday, we had an accounting of three (people dead), one passed away early morning and the one recovered making it five," BFP said.

More or less 20 were injured, a mix of employees and guests, officials said. One is in critical condition.

Twinkle Valdez, Pagcor spokesperson, identified the fatalities as Edelberto Evangelista, treasury officer; Marilyn Umadto, assistant treasury officer; Rey de Castro, security guard; John Mark Sabido and Jo Cris Banang, both CCTV operators.

BFP officials said the blaze was put out around 10:56 a.m. Monday or 25 hours since the fire struck at 9:38 am Sunday Damage from the fire reached up to the 7th floor of the establishment.

Based on BFP investigation, the fire started at the ground floor of the hotel..The cause of fire has yet to be determined. Ella Dionisio/DMS