‘This is not the time for malicious speculation’ - Magalong on Baguio Public Market fire incident

Baguio City, Philippines – Following the fire that razed the Baguio City Public Market this weekend, Mayor Benjamin Magalong appealed to the public not to entertain speculations and rumors about the incident.

Around 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, a fire struck Block 3 and Block 4 of the public market, affecting around 1,700 vendors and leaving an initial damage cost of P24 million.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of Baguio City Public Information Office, Magalong acknowledged the solidarity and volunteerism among the authorities and the people in Baguio saying, “they risked their lives to put out the fire, minding not the flames and fire debris. There were also other acts of heroism so selflessly shed to address the emergency.”

As the cause of the incident is yet to be determined, Magalong called on the people to remain helpful and concerned.

“Let us be respectful of each other’s sensibilities, avoiding retailing public jokes and baseless comments that the fire was purposely done for selfish interest,” he conveyed, emphasizing that such level of reaction to a public tragedy serves no purpose.

“This is not the time for malicious speculation, even if said in jest. Let us be mindful of the economic loss and the disruption of jobs and livelihoods severely affecting all concerned,” he further conveyed.

Initial assistance given

Meantime, immediate assistance such as relief goods has already been distributed to the affected vendors. They were also assisted in registering for cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The City Buildings and Architecture Office was already told to fast-track the temporary relocation site for the vendors.

On March 13, authorities and volunteer groups in the city launched a clean-up drive at the public market to clear fire debris.

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