MANILA – A massive fire hit the iconic Manila Post Office in Manila late Sunday night.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the blaze reached the first alarm at 11:41 p.m. Sunday and reached general alarm shortly before 6 a.m. Monday.
It was declared fire under control as of 7:22 a.m., Manila Fire Department Fire Superintendent Christine Doctor-Cula said in a Facebook post.
The Manila city government headed by Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan is in talks with Philippine Post (PHLPost) Office through Postmaster General Luis Carlos for any assistance the city can provide to the national heritage site.
On the other hand, the PHLPost ordered nearby branches in Manila to assist its clients.
Carlos also expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident that gutted the Post Office which is an heritage site and frequently visited by people.
“We express grief and saddened on this unfortunate incident. We didn’t expect this to happen but we assured the public that all PHLPost branches is going business as usual. There is nearby post office in Manila and other parts in Metro Manila where the public can send their mails and packages,” he said in a statement.
“We are closely coordinating with the Bureau of Fire (Protection) on the possible cause of the fire,” the PHLPost official added.
He reported that they will look for temporary office and our letter carriers will be house at the nearby post office.
It was reported that fire started at the basement of the building and affected the rest of the structure.
A 43-year-old fire brigade volunteer was injured in the fire.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze.
Manila Central Post Office building has survived the month-long 1945 Battle of Manila.
Built in 1926 and designed by architects Juan M. Arellano and Tomas Mapua, the neoclassical Manila Central Post Office is a declared important cultural property by the National Museum. Its conservation management plan was completed last 2019, with its restoration allocated by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) at P150 million. (PNA)
