The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) warned the public, particularly its new recruits, on August 6, Tuesday, against unscrupulous individuals or groups demanding money for the “dress blue uniform’’ that will be used by the bureau’s personnel in an event that will supposedly be graced by Vice-President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, the BFP stated that the scammers, claiming to be from the BFP National Headquarters, are using the BFP logo and fake e-mail account that resembled the official BFP-NHQ email address to carry out their fraudulent activities.
“The BFP does not transact its business nor direct anybody to pay in any amount in this manner. Please report to the BFP in case you receive a similar e-mail through the following hotlines: GLOBE: 0920 254 3499 SMART: 0967 200 1770, E-mail: [email protected],’’ the BFP said.
To recall, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. earlier vowed that corrupt BFP personnel will face appropriate sanctions and in the worst scenario be dismissed from the service.
Reports disclosed that complaints cropped up that alleged BFP personnel are selling or requiring certain brands of fire extinguisher as prerequisite for the issuance of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate.
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.