Quezon city: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has confirmed that no documents related to flood control projects were in the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building in Quezon City, which was engulfed in flames on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BRS is responsible for conducting research, studies, pilot testing, and formulating policies for government infrastructure projects. The DPWH revealed in a statement that initial findings suggest the fire began from a computer unit inside the Materials Testing Division, which reportedly exploded. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

An investigation team has been dispatched to assess the fire incident thoroughly, aiming to determine the full extent of the damage and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The DPWH assured that they would provide further updates as more information becomes available.

The Bureau of Fire Protection - National Capital Region (BFP-NCR) reported that the fire at the DPWH office on NIA Road in Barangay Pinyahan was reported at 12:39 p.m., reached the third alarm, and was declared under control by 1:34 p.m. It was completely extinguished by 1:49 p.m.

In a separate development, during the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, DPWH Assistant Secretary Melody Villar stated that most records affected by the fire are securely stored in the agency's central database. She highlighted the importance of the department's digitalization efforts in preserving critical data. The facility serves as both the testing site for construction materials and the regional office.

Assistant Secretary Villar confirmed that although some physical records were stored at the site, the majority had been uploaded to the central office database. The Senate was discussing Senate Bill No. 1215, which aims to create the Independent People's Commission (IPC) amid the flood control scandal.

Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered an investigation into the fire at the DPWH office. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano stated that the Ombudsman has directed immediate coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Fire Protection to determine the fire's cause and establish whether arson or any deliberate act was involved.