Cavite fireworks firm lost P100-M in blast
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 01/31/2009 11:47 PM
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Fireworks company Starmaker said Saturday they will fulfill all their financial obligations to the victims of Thursday’s powerful explosion at its Cavite factory despite losing millions of pesos in the blast.
Starmaker said it lost about a P100 million, which covers fireworks materials, buildings, and equipment that were obliterated in the blast.
Still, the company vowed to fulfill all its obligations to the victims and their families.
"Sa damages, subject for estimation pa yan. We promise na iaaayos lahat," Starmaker marketing coordinator Victor Portento said.
The company also said it is ready to face charges that may be filed against its owners and officials.
"They can be filed reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, damage to property and physical injuries," Task Force Starmaker chief Sr. Supt. Efren Castro said.
Last body recovered, four still missing
The mangled body of Herardo Amparo, Jr. was the last to be recovered from ground zero during Friday’s clearing operations at the ill-fated Starmaker Fireworks factory in Trece Martires, Cavite.
The remains were immediately turned over to his relatives.
"Nakilala ko siya sa labi, ilong at tenga," Emer Amparo, the victim’s brother, said.
Amparo's pregnant wife is still in disbelief. Amparo was an army reservist and would have become an enlisted soldier.
Arnold Pampillona, meanwhile, is among the more than 50 people hurt in Thursday’s powerful explosion. He suffered second-degree burns on 80 percent of his body.
"Lumalaban ang anak ko... Gustong mabuhay," his mother Marly said.
Another of the seriously injured, Analiza Taglucop, has been transferred to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.
Task Force Starmaker is still investigating the explosion, while the search for four missing employees – Honorata Lugame, Belen Rodriguez, Susan Decillo, and Erickson Layno -- continues. -- With a report from Wheng Hidalgo, ABS-CBN News
