Starting next year, inspectors from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will be required to wear body cameras to prevent them from illegally selling or endorsing fire extinguishers and other fire equipment, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla said on Monday, September 1.
According to Remulla, this is based on the BFP memorandum circular 2016-016, which prohibits fire personnels from selling fire extinguishers or endorsing manufacturers, dealers, or suppliers of fire equipment.
“Ngayon, may memorandum circular na kami. Starting next year, nagpa-requisition ako ng 5,000 body cams. Tapos magkaka-system kami. Kasi 'yung mga fire inspector natin, napaka-notorious sa pagbenta ng fire extinguisher,” Remulla said in an interview with Dobol B TV.
He added that the conversation will be documented through body cameras.
Remulla cited a recent incident where an Italian ambassador raised a complaint about a Taguig City fire inspector who allegedly pressured the Italian embassy’s management to purchase a specific brand of fire extinguisher.
Remulla stressed that such behavior was inappropriate, noting that requirements should be based on safety standards—not on brands.
“Bawal magbenta ng fire extinguisher ang mga fire marshal. At kung may gano'n, i-report n’yo kaagad sa akin at tatanggalin ko ‘yan on the spot”, he added.
With the planned rollout of 5,000 body cameras, the DILG aims to curb corruption and restore public trust in fire safety inspections by holding BFP personnel accountable for their actions.
