The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Wednesday confirmed that no files connected to the ongoing investigation into flood control project irregularities were kept in the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building in Quezon City, which caught fire earlier in the day.
According to the agency, the fire began inside the Materials Testing Division after a computer unit reportedly exploded. The blaze was swiftly contained, and no employees were harmed.
In a statement, the DPWH described the BRS as its “technical arm” that handles research, policy formulation, and testing for government infrastructure projects.
DPWH BRS Director Juliana Vergara said the Ombudsman has been informed of the incident and is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to determine whether arson or any deliberate act caused the fire.
An investigation team has been deployed to assess the damage and recommend safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
“The DPWH confirms that no documents related to the ongoing investigation into the flood control anomalies were in the BRS building that caught fire,” the agency assured, emphasizing that all records linked to the probe remain secure.
