VACC ends probe of Ultra stampede

The investigation conducted by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) is finished and the group is ready to reveal today the names of those allegedly responsible for the death of 71 persons in the tragic stampede at the Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City last Feb. 4.

The anti-crime group said it will identify who should be charged in court for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries based on complaints and accounts submitted by the victims who survived the tragedy and the relatives of those who died.

"We will issue the final report at 10 a.m. at the gymnasium of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) building in Taft Avenue, Manila," VACC founding chairman Dante Jimenez told The Star yesterday.

Victims, he said, will reveal the names of those who should face charges which may include officials of ABS-CBN and organizers of the program "Wowowee."

"The victims who sought the VACC’s help will be there. We will make our findings and recommendations public," Jimenez announced.

According to him, the VACC, through its lawyers, will also announce the next legal steps to be undertaken including the filing of charges.

Two days after the stampede, Jimenez said victims of the tragedy started calling them to ask for help so that justice could be served.

The VACC took the initiative of establishing a victim’s assistance center at the very site of the tragedy to provide those asking for help or place to go.

Three weeks after the stampede, Jimenez said they are now ready to disclose the results of their probe and name names.