31/10/2019
Official Statement from the Management:
After the first earthquake on October 16, 2019, the Management immediately sought the help of its structural engineers to inspect the Hotel and ensure its safety. Minor damages were reported and the engineers issued a certification on October 19, 2019 that it is structurally sound. However, the Management deemed it best to suspend the Hotel and Commercial Operations in the affected areas while retrofitting and repair works were made. On October 21, 2019, such certification was submitted to the City Building Official. At the outset, we have also asked for the aid and advice of the City Government to assist us with the assessment of the building.
The City Government conducted its inspection on October 22, 2019, 6 days after the first major earthquake. Subsequently, an Order was issued dated October 25, 2019 that the building was safe to occupy except for some restricted areas which were then specified in the same document. The Management religiously followed all of the instructions therein.
We would also like to clear out the issue that our building has long been condemned. We have not received any notice of condemnation nor were the building's permits questioned in its entire operation. We would like to humbly appeal to the people who spread this issue in the wake of this devastating calamity, to please spare us from the false information.
Thus, from October 16, 2019 to October 29, 2019 and until today, the Management has been closely monitoring the repairs and is in constant communication with the engineers.
Safety is our utmost priority. AS OF THIS WRITING and after our INITIAL assessment, no occupants, guests, hotel staff and workers were reported to have been injured or missing. NO CASUALTIES were reported to the Hotel Management. Rest assured that the Management is constantly assessing the area. We are CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS of investigating the incident.
We are with the people of Kidapawan and all the affected areas in Mindanao in this heartbreaking event. We are most especially imploring your help through prayers. We did not just lose a building, but also our home.
