15 in Glorietta 2 blast formally charged

The Philippine National Police (PNP) formally lodged Friday afternoon criminal charges against several personalities it linked to the Glorietta 2 blast in October last year. Radio dzRH reported that Southern Police District (SPD) head Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman personally filed the complaint at the Justice Department office in Manila. The PNP said it found evidence to file criminal and administrative charges against 15 people for negligence that led to the Glorietta 2 blast. Among those who will be charged criminally for reckless imprudence and gross negligence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property are: * Engr. Candelario Valdueza, Project Engineer of Makati Supermarket Corp. (MSC); * Engr. Marcelo Botenes, Building Engineer of MSC-Glorietta 2; * Engr. Jowell Velvez, Bldg Administrator of MSC-Glorietta 2; * Engr. Arnel Gonzales, Bldg Manager of MSC-Glorietta 2; * Engr. Clifford Arriola, Operation Manager of Marchem Industrial Sales and Services Inc.; * Joselito Buenaventura, Supervisor, MARCHEM; * Charlie Nepomuceno, MARCHEM Maintenance Personnel; * Jonathan Ibuna, MARCHEM Maintenance Personnel; and * Juan Ricafort, MARCHEM Maintenance Personnel. Recommended to be charged for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019), and administrative charges for gross neglect of duty are: * SFO4 Anthony Grey, Fire Safety Inspector, Makati City Fire Station; * SFO2 Leonilo Balais, Fire Safety Inspector, Makati City Fire Station; and * Fire Sr. Insp. Reynaldo Enoc, Fire Prevention Officer, Makati City Fire Station A separate case for violation of the Fire Code of the Philippine (PD 1185) against the Makati Supermarket Corporation, and the Ayala Property Management Corporation, including: * Engr. Ricardo Cruz, Operations Manager of Metalline Enterprises; and * Miguel Velasco Jr, Foreman. Also facing administrative charges for Simple Neglect of Duty is Fire Chief Insp. Jose Embang Jr, City Fire Marshall of Makati City. - GMANews.TV