DILG probes firefighters who allegedly stole liquors after QC supermarket fire

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched an investigation into firefighters who allegedly stole liquors when they responded to a fire at a supermarket in Quezon City as seen in a viral video.

“Pinapa-investigate ko ngayon pero most probably they will be fired. Kakasuhan talaga namin,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in an ambush interview on Thursday.

(I've ordered an investigation, but most probably they will be fired. We will charge them.)

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo said the incident reportedly occurred while firefighting and mop-up operations were ongoing.

Arroyo clarified that the individuals seen in the video were not wearing official BFP uniforms or personal protective equipment and bore no markings identifying them as BFP personnel.

Despite this, Arroyo said the investigation is continuing.

He noted that if any volunteer firefighters are proven to be involved in the alleged misconduct, their Certificates of Competency may be revoked. 

Victims may also file appropriate criminal charges against those responsible, the BFP official said.

The blaze at the establishment located along Belfast Avenue corner Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik in Novaliches started at around 4:40 a.m. on Wednesday.

The fire reached the fifth alarm at around 5:16 a.m.

A total of 30 fire trucks responded to the area, according to the BFP-National Capital Region.

At 10:48 a.m., the fire was declared out. —VAL, GMA Integrated News