Abalos orders stricter accreditation of volunteers after Tondo fire truck incident

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday ordered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to have a stricter accreditation process for volunteers.

Abalos made the statement after a responding fire truck hit several residents in Tondo, Manila on August 14, killing a 62-year-old woman and injuring eight individuals.

He directed the BFP to implement stricter rules and guidelines for the accreditation of volunteer fire brigades and require them to set qualifications for volunteer firefighters and fire truck drivers.

“Ang sabi ko kay chief ay i-review nang maayos ang present guidelines sa accreditation, lalo na ang qualification ng drivers (no record on reckless driving, accidents, use of drugs, etc). Dahil nga ‘pag may emergency, mabilis ang takbo ng mga sasakyan at baka makaaksidente,” he said.

(I told the BFP chief to review thoroughly the present guidelines for accreditation, especially the qualification for drivers (no record on reckless driving, accidents, use of drugs, etc.). Because in an emergency, vehicles run fast and they might figure in an accident.)

“If it is possible, dapat may seminar at exams sa emergency driving. Ang importante ay i-review nang maayos ang present guidelines,” he added.

(If it is possible, they should have seminars and exams for emergency driving. What is important is to review and fix the present guidelines.)

For Abalos, fire truck drivers should also pass drug tests and neuropsychiatric exams.

Meanwhile, Abalos expressed condolences to the family of the victim who died in the incident and asked the concerned volunteer fire brigade association to extend assistance to the injured victims.

The truck driver, identified as Rodolfo Pineda, 27, is currently under police custody and is facing charges for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, physical injuries, and damage to property, the DILG said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News