PNP preparing charges vs Pampanga supermarket owner

April 25, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Thursday said they are preparing charges to be filed against the owner of Chuzon Supermarket which collapsed after a magnitude 6.1 hit Luzon last Monday.

“All the complainants, their statements are being taken by CIDG (Crime Investigation and Detection Group) and we are preparing to file a case once we gather all the statements of those who want to file and our complainants,” Albayalde told reporters.

He said the supermarket's owner, Samuel Chu, left police custody after giving his statements.

“He (Chu) was only asked for a statement and then he was made to submit pertinent documents. And we are also waiting for the finding of the Department of Public Works and Highways,” said Albayalde.

Even without a criminal complaint, Albayalde said Chu will still face civil liabilities.

“Well first of all, they will have liability whether (complainants) file criminal case or not. Of course, civil liability is one, that is for sure even without a criminal case. (Then)... reckless imprudence. It’s because probably the building is substandard,” he said.

Albayalde said even local government officials and the contractors may face liability over the incident.

In a TV interview, the spokesperson of the Central Luzon police, Lieutenant Colonel Fe Grenas said around five persons died after Chuzon Supermarket collapsed due to the earthquake while nine were injured.

“We are not setting aside the possibility there may still persons trapped inside… we want to assure that there are really no victims inside,” Grenas said.

Chu voluntarily accepted the invitation of the Porac municipal police station last Tuesday and underwent interrogation. Ella Dionisio/DMS