Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. vowed to impose sanctions against Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel who would found selling or requiring a specific brand of fire extinguisher as prerequisite for the issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
He warned the BFP men as this issue cropped up anew during his meeting with the business sector in a recent “Go Negosyo Summit.’’
Abalos stressed that the processing of business permits should be strictly based on the existing government rules and regulations
Section 13.0.0.7.B.1 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 9114 otherwise known as “The Fire Code of the Philippines’’ states that abuse of authority in the performance of duty through acts of corruption and other unethical practices shall be grounds for administrative sanctions that may be punishable by reprimand, suspension or removal at the discretion of the disciplining authority, depending on the gravity of the offense.
Abalos told the public, particularly the business sector, to immediately report to the DILG any corrupt acts of the BFP men or their cohorts like soliciting favors monetary or otherwise or selling fire extinguishers to get their permits processed expeditiously.
“Talagang tatanggalin ko ang mga 'yan. Hindi pupuwedeng (selling fire extinguishers) in exchange for a permit. Meron na akong memorandum. Ire-reiterate ko yan (I will certainly remove them. Selling fire extinguishers in exchange for a permit is prohibited. I already have a memorandum, I will reiterate that),’’ Abalos said.
On Oct. 11, the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two men in Rizal for allegedly pretending to be connected with the BFP to solicit money.
The suspects who are facing estafa charges previously were jailed for allegedly using former President Duterte's name to hoodwinked their victims but are out on jail after posting bail.
Authorities are looking into the possibility of the suspects having accomplices who give them tips on who their targets will be.
The PNP reminded the public to verify the details in solicitation letters to prevent being victimized by the scammers. (Chito A. Chavez)