Patients at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila were evacuated when a fire broke out inside the building on Monday morning.
WATCH: Pinalabas muna ang ilang mga pasyente at magpapa-check up dahil sa sunog sa loob ng PGH sa Ermita, Maynila | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/iqof1y8kfj
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Some patients from the outpatient department (OPD) of PGH were temporarily evacuated due to the incident. Most of them remained in the P. Faura area, with some in wheelchairs and others lying on stretchers.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started at 5:56 AM and was raised to a second alarm after half an hour. At around 6:47 AM, it was announced that the fire within the facility had been brought under control.
At exactly 7:09 AM, it was then declared fire out.
UPDATE: As of 7:09 AM, deklarado nang fire out ang sunog na sumiklab sa loob ng Philippine General Hospital sa Ermita, Maynila | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/qaCK2FwuE2
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 15, 2024
Following the declaration of fire out, patients were allowed to re-enter and complete their check-ups at PGH.
According to the initial investigation by the BFP, the fire started in the audio-visual room. Arson investigators are currently examining the cause of the blaze at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) announced during the fire that it was prepared to assist and receive patient transfers.
"All ambulances inbound to the UP-PGH this morning are advised to coordinate again for possible diversion to other hospitals, including DOH hospitals, to relieve PGH for the meantime," said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
