37 SSI workers killed in Davao mall fire

On December 23, 2017, a fire started at the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) shopping mall in Davao City, Philippines. At least 38 fatalities from the fire have been listed by the Davao city government. One security guard, who rescued 783 people from the fire was killed, and the other 37 victims were employees of data provider firm Research Now SSI. The cause of the fire is not yet known, however, it has called into question whether fire regulations were fully complied with. So far, five city fire officials have been relieved of duty pending investigations into whether there was negligence on behalf of any of the parties involved. Research Now SSI has issued an official statement on its website offering its condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of those affected. It has arranged for counseling for its employees and is helping to support funeral arrangements. It will also create a fund for contributions to provide further assistance to the families of those who were lost. President Duterte also visited the families of fire victims at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.