By Jennifer P. Rendon
Zuri Hotel and Suites apologized and assured the public of the building’s structural integrity following an incident in which a portion of its entrance ceiling collapsed due to a tornado in Iloilo City.
In a statement, the hotel said the incident was caused by a localized tornado event with heavy rainfall and strong winds, which led to the detachment of a section of the lobby entrance ceiling.
“We sincerely apologize for the incident and any concern it may have caused,” the hotel said.
“We want to assure our guests and the public that the structural integrity of Zuri Hotel remains sound,” it added.
The hotel emphasized that the main structure has consistently passed required inspections and complies with city and national safety standards.
Zuri management said the safety of guests and the public remains its top priority.
“We are taking immediate action to assess the damage, secure the affected area, and complete repairs as quickly and efficiently as possible,” it added.
The hotel also confirmed it is monitoring the condition of the injured individual and providing necessary assistance.
The incident happened around 10:40 p.m. on April 29 at the hotel entrance in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City.
Jocar Japitana, 50, a food delivery rider from Barangay San Juan, Molo, was waiting for a customer when the ceiling collapsed.
At the time, Japitana was taking shelter from the rain when he was struck by falling debris.
His Honda Click motorcycle was damaged along with three parked vehicles—a Ford Ranger pickup, a Hyundai Eon hatchback, and a Toyota Hilux pickup.
Captain Val Cambel, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 10, said the incident was reported by Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital shortly after midnight, when Japitana was brought in for treatment.
Cambel said Japitana suffered injuries to his forehead and leg but was in stable condition.
The Iloilo City Emergency Responders, together with hotel staff, assisted in transporting the victim to the hospital.
