The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on Wednesday, October 22, that no documents related to the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects were stored in the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS) building in Quezon City, which was hit by fire earlier today.

According to the agency, initial findings indicate that the blaze originated from a computer unit that reportedly exploded inside the Materials Testing Division. The fire was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported among employees.

In a statement, the DPWH explained that the BRS serves as the department’s technical arm responsible for research, policy formulation, and testing related to government infrastructure projects.

The Ombudsman has been informed of the incident and is coordinating closely with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to determine the cause of the fire and to verify whether it resulted from arson or any deliberate act, according to DPWH BRS Director Juliana Vergara.

An investigation team has been deployed to assess the incident, determine the extent of the damage, and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“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 said, assuring the public that all relevant records remain safe.