60 new QC fire safety inspectors designated amid corruption crackdown at BFP
By Chito Chavez
As corruption scandals continue to hound the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 60 new fire safety inspectors (FSIs) from the Quezon City Fire Department (QCFD) were appointed as part of the agency’s continuing integrity reform process.
BFP officer-in-charge (OIC) Chief Supt. Wifredo Rico Neil Kwan Tiu said all those replaced re currently inhibited from conducting inspections to attain a corruption-free transformation.
And as part of integrity and transparency program, he said the use of body-worn cameras (BWC) during inspection will now be part of the mandatory procedure.
All Metro Manila fire safety inspectors (FSIs) were relieved from their posts with qualified personnel with no previous inspection experience replacing them.
Even if many FSIs are honest and dedicated, Kwan tiu lamented that total relief is necessary to address systemic anomalies and will ensure a fresh start.’’
Kwan Tiu asserted that this directive prioritizes the integrity of the bureau and to protect the public.
If the BFP National Capital Region (NCR) lacks enough qualified personnel, Kwan Tiu pointed out that personnel outside Metro Manila can fill the gap.
As the country’s prime region, Kwan Tiu stressed that the National Capital Region (NCR) was selected as the starting point of this reform as it has the highest number of business establishments and fire safety inspectors.
“This move aims to set a new standard for transparency before expanding the program to other regions,’’ Kwan Tiu continued.