Fire investigators found gasoline in one of the rides inside Star City, prompting them to conclude that the 14-hour fire that gutted the country’s premier amusement park was a case of arson.
“In our minds, in the minds of the investigators, there is already an arson, but this should be proven,” said Supt. Paul Pili, the Pasay City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire marshal.
“Kasi may nakika naman kami doong gasolina, makikita talaga, hindi na kailangan ng laboratory tests even though we are waiting for the result of the arson laboratory and the National Bureau of Investigation.”
Pili said there were multiple origins of fire and ruled out electrical overload as the cause of the fire.
“Iyong sa multiple origin of fire, we are still waiting for the samples. But then, nasabi nating arson ito dahil sa presence of gasoline,” he said.
Pili said the fire could not be caused by electricity because power was off at the time of the fire.
“Isantabi na natin ang electrical. Nakasarado ang mga kuryente kapag wala silang operation, which is part of their standard operation procedure. This is also the testimony nung chief electrical engineer nila dito sa Star City,” the fire marshal told reporters.
BFP accompanied members of the media during the walk through of the destroyed complex.
Pili said the investigation is now centered on the owner of Star Games, a certain Mr. Wong, who allegedly brought in cottons and people not listed in the logbook hours before the fire.
“Matatandaan na ang sunog ay nagsimula pasado alas dose ng hating gabi sa Star Game Stock Room sa likurang bahagi ng Star City, base sa nakasaad sa on scene spot report sa command post,” said Pili
The fire quickly spread to the Manila Broadcasting Center building where three radio stations were based.
Star City management said it would take a year before the theme park returns into operation. (Jel Santos)
