Fire destroys 50 impounded vehicles in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - An hour-long fire destroyed at least 50 vehicles at a private impounding area along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City yesterday morning.

Other reports state that as many as 100 vehicles were destroyed in the fire that broke out at Southern Crest Towing Services’ impounding area at around 5 a.m.

ABS-CBN reported that Arturo Habulan, caretaker of the impounding area, said most of the vehicles that were lost in the fire were never claimed by their owners. He said the impounding firm ceased operating in 2012.

Habulan said the firm had been given a notice in October 2013 to vacate the lot, but the company’s owner, Wilfredo Baltazar, refused to follow the eviction order. He said the firm owes P1 million in rent to the Philippine National Construction Corp.

Habulan said Baltazar was last seen in the impounding area on Jan. 6, getting some spare parts from the vehicles.

Pasay City arson investigator Mark Lanusga said Baltazar and Habulan will be questioned regarding the fire.