Año vows punishment for BFP personnel in Batangas despedida

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday vowed that the personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who ignored health protocols in a despedida party in Batangas will be penalized.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Año said the actions of the BFP personnel will not be tolerated.

"Nagkaroon na diyan ng investigation. Tinanggal na rin ‘yung mga concerned na mga opisyal na lumabag  at makakaasa ka na magkakaroon ng punishment ang mga 'yan at hindi natin 'yan kukunsintihin,” he said.

“Paulit-ulit na sinasabi natin na dapat maging ehemplo 'yung mga nasa gobyerno lalung-lalo na ‘yung mga frontliners. Kailangan lahat tayo ay susunod. Walang exemptions,” he added.

The BFP already ordered the relief of all personnel involved in the alleged despedida party for a former Batangas City fire marshal to prevent them from interfering with the ongoing investigation.

On August 21, a party was allegedly thrown for then outgoing Batangas City Fire Marshall Elaine Evangelista at a hotel and restaurant in the area.

The event was attended by personnel of the Batangas City fire station who were caught on camera dancing without masks and without observing social distancing.

“Ongoing na po ang investigation against them. Noong August 26 kasi, nagpadala na ng memo ang Civil Service [Commission] at ang DILG kay Secretary Eduardo Año about nga itong nangyaring despedida dito,” BFP chief Director Jose Embang Jr. said.

In May, National Capital Region Police Office chief Police Major General found himself in hot water after photos of a mañanita held for his birthday showed violation of community quarantine protocols.

Sinas said the viral photos were edited. --KBK, GMA News