MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating the cause of the fire that hit the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B Mimaropa office in Quezon City, including the possibility that it was deliberately set, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said on Thursday.
In an interview, Santiago said the fire originated on the third floor of the building, which houses documents related to the Mindoro flood control project. Initial findings from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) indicated that the blaze may have been caused by an “octopus” electrical connection or the unsafe use of multiple extension cords and power strips.
“The fire reportedly started on the third floor due to improper and hazardous use of electrical cords and extension wires,” Santiago said, citing information from Fire Officer Captain Bernard Soriano, who leads the local fire investigation team.
DPWH FIRE
Fire breaks out at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Bureau of Research and Standards Office in Quezon City on Oct. 22, 2025. The bureau serves as the DPWH’s technical arm responsible for developing standards, testing materials, and ensuring quality in public infrastructure projects. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN
However, Santiago emphasized that investigators were not ruling out arson, especially given the sensitive nature of the records stored in the building.
“We do not rule out any possibility until the investigation is complete,” he said.
The NBI forensic team, in coordination with the BFP, was set to return to the site on Thursday to conduct a more thorough examination. The area has been sealed and cordoned off as a potential crime scene, with entry strictly prohibited while evidence collection and analysis are ongoing.
“All those occupying the third floor, where the fire began, will be called to give statements,” Santiago said, adding that investigators will also secure computers and other materials that may contain relevant information.
Reports have circulated that no flood control project documents were destroyed, but Santiago said such claims remained unverified pending a detailed probe.
Public suspicion has grown over the incident, which occurred amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the DPWH’s flood control projects.
“We understand why people may find the timing of this incident unusual,” Santiago noted. “That is precisely why we will look into all angles.”
The NBI and BFP have yet to release their final report on the cause of the fire.
