Mayor orders probe on Zamboanga City Hall fire


MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar announces a probe on the fire last Wednesday, June 22, at the Zamboanga City Hall. (Zambo LGU photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has ordered a probe on the fire that damaged an area at the back of the Office of the City Mayor last Wednesday, June 22.

Climaco suspects the fire was meant to discredit her administration. “There is really an intrusion. I feel there must be somebody who wants to sabotage our administration,” said the lady mayor during an interview with reporters.

The area affected by the fire is a restricted area and is not open to the public.

Climaco dismissed speculations that the fire might be intentionally caused to hide wrongdoings during her administration.

She described the accusations as ridiculous, saying only VHS tapes and papers kept by sound system personnel are stored in the area.

Initial investigation by fire probers showed the fire was caused by a lighted cigarette thrown into a carton box filled with papers.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Region 9 and the Zamboanga City government are expected to investigate the incident.