DOLE probes possible liability of scaffolding maker in Kristel Mae’s death in Tacloban

The Labor Department is now looking into the possible liability of the maker of the collapsed scaffolding which led to the death of 27-year-old volunteer Kristel Mae Padasas during the papal Mass in Tacloban last Saturday.

A report on GMA News TV's News TV Live quoted Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz as saying that they are waiting for the result of the police investigation on the matter to determine the cause of death of Padasas, a volunteer for Catholic Relief Service.

 

The incident happened after the Mass officiated by Pope Francis in Tacloban for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda. Reports have it that a sound box hit Padasas when the scaffolding collapsed due to strong winds brought by Tropical Storm Amang. 

The remains of Padasas arrived in Manila Monday afternoon.
 

The News TV Live report said the Labor Department will investigate if the scaffolding maker violated any safety and health regulation and if it did, it will be held liable for the incident.

 

During the Encounter with the Youth at the University of Santo Tomas Sunday morning, Pope Francis offered prayers for Padasas. 

 

The Pope also met with Padasas' father, Paulino Jr., that same day at the Papal Nunciature in Manila. The meeting consoled the grieving father and made him realize his daughter did not die in vain, which prompted Cardinal Tagle to say that the Holy Father was awed with the victim's father's faith in God. 

Kristel Mae's mother is working in Hong Kong and is now trying to return to the country as soon as possible. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News