PNP orders fire safety checks after Marikina arms factory blaze

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered nationwide fire safety inspections of police stations, armories and ammunition storage facilities following a blaze that caused an estimated P40 million in damage at a firearms manufacturing compound in Marikina City.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez directed police commanders Thursday, 15 October, to identify fire hazards and ensure strict compliance with safety protocols, particularly in facilities storing firearms, ammunition and other hazardous materials.

“I expect that all regional, district, and local police commanders are conducting comprehensive safety and fire vulnerability audits across all PNP armories, storage facilities, and evidence rooms,” Nartatez said.

“Strict enforcement of standard operating procedures on ammunition handling, proper ventilation, and round-the-clock hazard monitoring is non-negotiable to protect our personnel, assets, and surrounding communities,” he added.

The directive follows the fire that struck the Armscor Global Defense Inc. compound in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City, on Tuesday night, 13 October.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blaze broke out at 8:49 p.m. and reached the second alarm by 9 p.m.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 10:33 p.m. before declaring it extinguished at 12:41 a.m. Wednesday.

The BFP estimated the property damage at P40 million.

Explosions were reportedly heard during firefighting operations, while social media users claimed to have spotted bullet casings scattered along nearby streets.

No injuries or fatalities were reported, and Armscor confirmed that all its employees were safe.

Nartatez directed concerned police units to assist the BFP in determining the cause of the fire and securing potentially hazardous debris.

“We are coordinating closely with local government authorities and company management to ensure public safety, secure scattered debris, and aid in establishing the exact cause of the incident,” he said.

The PNP said the nationwide inspections align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive, through Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen public safety and protect government facilities and surrounding communities.