Real estate firm mourns, offers aid to Makati condo workers’ kin

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. of tycoon Lucio Tan expressed its condolences to the families of 10 workers killed in Thursday’s accident at one of its property development projects in Makati City.

A statement issued by the company’s spokesperson, Erwin de Pedro, said the victims were workers from Arlo Aluminum, a glass contractor of the 39-story Eton Residences Greenbelt condominium project.

“According to witness accounts, the workers rode the gondola instead of taking the stairs during their breaktime. However, since the platform can only carry a few workers, the cable snapped,” de Pedro said.

An investigator from the Bureau of Fire Prevention said earlier that the gondola, an electricity-powered lift used at construction sites, could carry only two persons at a time.

“Eton, its contractors and construction management consultant are cooperating with police authorities and the city engineer’s office as they investigate the cause of this accident. In the meantime, the company’s priority is to ensure that the victims’ families are informed and extended needed assistance by the contractor,” de Pedro said.

He said Eton Properties and its contractor will “extend all necessary medical, funeral and financial assistance to the victims and their families.”

The Department of Labor and Employment also sent it occupational safety engineer to inspect the site to determine possible violations of safety regulations. With INQUIRER.net, Jaymee T. Gamil, Philippine Daily Inquirer