Coconut processing plant in Zamboanga City gutted by fire 

FIREFIGHTERS in Zamboanga City on Tuesday morning were still working to put out a fire that broke out late Monday at a coconut processing plant located along the city’s coastal area.  

As of Monday noon, the Bureau of Fire Protection had yet to declare the fire under control, according to the Zamboanga City government.  

There were no reported casualties or injuries, it said.   

Outgoing Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the origin of the fire that started at around 11 p.m. at the Philippine International Development, Inc. (PHIDCO) compound was still undetermined.  

“Fire fighting activities continue up to this time, as traffic rerouting is in effect,” she said in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning.   

PHIDCO, established in 1959, is a coconut processing and export firm according to the company website.   

Its export products include crude coconut oil, refined bleached deodorized (rbd) coconut oil, cochin coconut oil, and copra expeller cake. It also produces the Washington brand of cooking oil, Datu laundry bars, and Viva detergent bars for the local market. 

“Aside from it’s manufacturing activities, it leases out commercial as well as warehouse spaces,” it said. — MSJ