MORE revelations emerged yesterday of safety and labour abuses at the Philippines factory where 72 people died in a fire on Wednesday.

Workers at a nearby factory said that people watched helplessly as victims begged for help from the barred windows of the factory as flames and smoke engulfed the building.

At least 104 workers at the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation were recruited by an illegal sub-contractor, Labour Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said, adding that the owners will be summoned to answer the charges next week.

Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairman of the house of representatives’ committee on labour, said he will open an inquiry into the tragedy focusing on the safety practices of the factory.

Another representative, Magtanggol Gunigundo Jr, said the building did not have fire sprinklers.

The International Labour Organisation urged the Philippines to tighten its labour safety and health standards, while national trade union federations criticised officials for lax inspections of workplaces.