Bureau of Fire Protection gets new OIC

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas has named Chief Supt. Ruben F. Bearis, Jr. as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Bearis’ appointment was made under Department Order 2012-742 dated October 9. He replaced Fire Director Rolando M. Bandilla who retired on August 20. Bearis said he will prioritize the implementation of fire code fees collection nationwide to finance the BFP's modernization program. “This will help the bureau to purchase more fire trucks, personnel protective equipments like fire boots, fire helmets, fire coats and trousers, and build fire stations,” he said. Prior to his appointment, Bearis, 53, was the BFP’s Deputy Chief for Operations. He was promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent on June 5, 2008. In 2000, he was conferred the Centennial Presidential Lingkod Bayan award, given by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional performance in public service. — Gian C. Geronimo/BM, GMA News