Western Visayas BFP chief apologizes over mass gathering


QUESTIONED EVENT – Officials and guests attend the June 10, 2021 inauguration of a fire sub-station in Iloilo City which was criticized as it violated the ban on mass gatherings. (Photo courtesy of Aksyon Radyo Iloilo)
ILOILO CITY – Senior Supt. Jerry Candido, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Western Visayas director, apologized for a BFP event in Iloilo City Thursday that violated the prohibition on mass gatherings.

Candido issued a statement owning up to the violation of the executive order of Mayor Jerry Treñas which he issued as Iloilo City is under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) due to rising COVID-19 cases. Active cases of COVID-19 here have climbed to almost 2,300.

Along with Iloilo City Rep. “Jam-Jam” Baronda, Candido was the guest of the June 10 inauguration of the BFP-Iloilo City sub-station at Alta Tierra Village in Jaro district.

Photos of the sub-station’s inauguration and violation of health protocols quickly spread online.

“Although we strictly observed health protocols, we should not have pushed through with it. I apologize for this lapse in judgment,” said Barona in a separate statement.

While Treñas accepted the apology of the BFP regional director, Ilonggo residents were fuming mad for the double-standard treatment of higher officials while ordinary people and local businesses are slapped with penalties for violating health protocols.