What you need to know about the falling concrete debris incident in QC that injured three students
Three Grade 7 students were hit by concrete debris that fell from a condominium building in Quezon City on Tuesday evening, leaving two of them in critical condition and one sustaining injuries.
According to the Quezon City Police District, the minors, all students of Don Roces Science High School, were walking in front of Atherton Place Condominium along Tomas Morato Avenue at around 4:40 p.m. when a portion of concrete from the building's upper structure fell.
The QCPD said authorities from Kamuning Station 10 quickly responded, securing the scene and rushing the victims to Capitol Medical Center. It also added that it is now working with other agencies to examine the building's structural integrity and ensure public safety.
"Likewise, a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident and establish accountability," it added.
Parents give their statements
According to Jason Baldonado, the father of one of the victims, his son CJ successfully underwent an operation for a severe head injury on Wednesday.
They are seeking financial help, as CJ is currently in the ICU and his medical bills could reach P30,000 to P50,000 daily.
Meanwhile, Percival Sanchez and Michelle Balasbas, the parents of the other two students, also released a joint statement. One son had minor injuries, while the other is in critical condition and needs to undergo surgery.
In the statement, they described their sons as "kind, innocent young boys with a bright future ahead of them" and said that seeing them endure such pain and suffering is heavy to bear. They asked that the investigation be "expedited" and that those who have been negligent in their duties and responsibilities be made criminally and civilly liable.
They ended by thanking QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Sacred Heart Barangay Captain Camille Malig David, Police Station 10 Commander Lt. Col. Leonie Dela Cruz, and those who have prayed for them and offered help.
Quezon City gov't weighs in
Following the incident, the Quezon City government, through its Department of Building Officials, has launched an initial investigation. The inquiry aims to determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify those responsible.
The DBO immediately ordered the building's owner and administrator to install a protective canopy and remove all old plaster from the facade, which must be replaced with new material.
Additionally, an investigation is underway to determine the liability of those who installed a telecom antenna near the collapsed section. The DBO stated that all potential factors contributing to the incident are being thoroughly reviewed.
"Iniimbestigahan ng maigi ang lahat ng aspeto na pwedeng naging sanhi ng pagbagsak ng palitada," the statement read.
"Ang mahalaga ay magkaroon ng hustisya ang sinapit ng mga walang muwang na bata, at hindi na maulit ang pangyayaring ito," it continued.
Previously, the QC government also expressed deep regret over the serious injuries sustained by the children. They also pledged the full support of the local government to the victims and their families.
"Aalalayan at tutulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan, sa pamamagitan ng Social Services and Development Department, ang mga bata at kanilang pamilya," a previous statement said.
It added, "Nawa’y ipanalangin natin ang kanilang mabilis na paggaling. Kasabay nito, inatasan na po natin ang ating mga tanggapan para mapagaralan ang anumang kaso na maaaring isampa sa sinumang may pananagutan."
"Ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan, lalo na ng ating mga kabataan, ang aming pangunahing hangarin," the government concluded.