MANILA- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been tasked by Justice Chief Vitaliano Aguirre to investigate the fire that engulfed a shopping mall in Davao City.

Aguirre sought the probe in order to determine the "criminal culpability of those responsible."

“We want the NBI to be involved with its own probe. Their findings will enable us to make those responsible fully accountable before our courts via the criminal cases that will be filed. By punishing those responsible, we can set an example to others so that, hopefully, there will be no repetition of these tragedies” Aguirre said.

The justice chief also offered his condolences to the victims of the fire. "We offer our solemn condolences to the families of those persons who lost their lives in this very unfortunate incident," he said.

"The loss of lives and the resulting damage caused underscore the need to determine if someone is at fault and should be held criminally liable," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday evening consoled with families of those feared dead in the blaze.

• LOOK: Duterte weeps over Davao mall fire victims

The President was seen weeping after families were told that their loved ones had a "zero" chance of surviving the blaze that hit NCCC Mall.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Sunday confirmed that the body of one of the victims has been retrieved.

• Mayor says body found in Davao mall fire