2 BFP execs seek dismissal of Kentex raps

MANILA, Philippines -  Two officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the multiple homicide charges filed against them in connection with the Kentex fire that claimed the lives of 74 people in Valenzuela City in 2015.

In a nine-page motion to quash filed before the anti-graft court’s Second Division, city fire marshal Mel Jose Lagan and Senior Inspector Edgrover Oculam cited the recent dismissal of the cases against Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian.

“If the court dismissed the charges against local government officials of Valenzuela, Lagan and Oculam should also be cleared after they refused the issuance of a fire safety inspection certificate and directed Kentex to remedy its violations of the Fire Code,” the motion read.

Last December, the Sandiganbayan cleared Gatchalian of graft and multiple homicide charges along with business permit and licensing office head Renchi Padayao and BPLO officer IV Eduardo Carreon.

Ombudsman prosecutors have asked the Sandiganbayan to reverse the ruling.

Aside from Lagan and Oculam, other defendants are Senior Fire Officer Rolando Avendan and Ong King Guan, alias Terence King Ong, general manager of Kentex Manufacturing Corp.

In their motion, Lagan and Oculam said the court lost jurisdiction over the case when it dismissed the charges against Gatchalian.