MANILA, Philippines—Members of an anticrime group and relatives of some of the victims who were killed in the explosion that rocked Glorietta 2 in Makati City two years ago protested Monday the rehabilitation of the mall, saying evidence was being “destroyed.”

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) founder Dante Jimenez said he was surprised that construction work was ongoing at the blast site when a criminal case filed against several persons believed to have caused the explosion was still pending at the Department of Justice (DoJ).

“We will question the reconstruction of this edifice. All I know is that evidence should not be touched,” he said.

Relatives of the 11 people who were killed in the explosion which—according to authorities—was caused by a gas leak, gathered at the blast site Monday to mark the second anniversary of the Oct. 19 incident.

Appeal to DoJ

They lit candles and offered prayers to their loved ones as they also called on the DoJ to speed up the resolution of the case.

The justice department earlier filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against eight officers and staff members of Ayala Land lessor Makati Supermarket Corp. (MSC), Marchem Industrial Sales & Services and Metaline although it cleared Ayala Land officials of any liability.

Inquirer archives showed that in November 2008, the DoJ also cleared MSC engineer Candelario Valdueza but said it would pursue charges against five Marchem officers.

MSC was responsible for overseeing the repairs being conducted in the basement where the explosion occurred.

On the other hand, Marchem conducted electrical work in the basement while Metaline was responsible for pipe work.

Based on the findings of a DoJ panel, a buildup of methane gas and diesel fumes in the mall’s basement led to the blast.

Ayala Land officials, however, said that based on an internal investigation, the explosion was caused by a bomb.

Jimenez said the victims’ kin were concerned over reports that top-ranking respondents in the case have been removed from their positions, leaving only rank-and-file personnel to face the music.

Disturbing development

“This is a very disturbing development. Let us not allow the Glorietta case to end up like the Ultra stampede tragedy where only the small fish were left to fend for themselves in court while the big shots were set free of accountability. This is a mockery of justice that, sadly, we may once again witness in the Glorietta blast [case] if we are not vigilant,” he said.

Zenaida Vidano, mother of Nino Caesar Vidano, said she only wanted justice for her 27-year-old son, an IT programmer, who was among those killed.

“The people who were responsible should be charged. It’s not enough that we were given financial assistance,” she said in Filipino.

Sought for reaction, Ayala Land’s Jorge Marco declined to comment on the case as it was still with the DoJ.

“It’s been two years. We have been taking care of the victims’ families. We understand how they feel and we have been coordinating with them. We understand they are trying to move on and so are we,” he said.

He confirmed, however, that a redevelopment of Glorietta 1 and 2 was ongoing.