Duterte orders Malate collapse probe

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered an investigation into the collapse of a portion of Hotel Sogo in Malate, Manila that killed two construction workers.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also lauded Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso for his swift action and asked concerned authorities to coordinate with city government in the conduct of the investigation.

Domagoso, who rushed to the accident site on Monday morning, released a formal order to the City Engineering Office to probe the incident and gave them three days to submit a report.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has already ordered a thorough investigation and we ask concerned authorities to coordinate with the City Government of Manila, particularly the Manila City Engineering Office, for the conduct of the probe,” Panelo said.

Brothers Jason Fabello and Melo Yson died after a concrete beam and wall of the budget hotel collapsed during an ongoing demolition.

The demolition of the six-storey structure started on 2 August to pave the way for the construction of a new building.