Central Post Office fire lasts 30 hours; solons already eyeing reconstruction

AFTER more than 30 hours, fire authorities officially declared the blaze at the historic Manila Central Post Office tapped out.

Meanwhile, Senate Finance committee chairman Juan Edgardo Angara said he was directed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to work with the budget department following the post office fire.

At the Lower House, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers urged the national government to rebuild the Central Post Office for its historical significance, cultural heritage and national pride, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) taking the lead role.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), in an update report, said the conflagration was over at i6:33 a.m. Tuesday.

Fifteen people, most of them firefighters, were reported hurt due while trying to put out the fire that broke out late

Sunday night. Their injuries ranged from lacerations to first-degree burns.

Some of the firemen also felt dizziness and chest pains.

The BFD estimated the damage at P300 million, saying at least two structures of the complex burned to the ground.

Manila Fire District chief of intelligence and investigation division senior inspector Alejandro Ramos said they had to make sure that the fire would not rekindle.

Ramos said the extreme heat and lack of ventilation in the basement of the iconic post office was a problem for the firefighters.

Arson probers were still trying to determine the cause of the 30-hour fire.

Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) chief Luis Carlos said the stamps in the museum, the Manila Central Post Office building itself, and their records are among the most valuable things that burned.

“We have to work with the budget department towards finding funds to help restore the Manila Post office,

Angara said.