Senate OKs bill modernizing BFP on final reading

The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to strengthen and modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

With 23 affirmative votes, the chamber approved Senate Bill 1832, or the proposed BFP Modernization Act.

The measure enumerates the additional functions to be undertaken by the BFP, including the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires in buildings, houses, economic zones, parks, and other establishments, as well as responding to natural and man-made disasters.

These disasters include rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials.

The agency, likewise, is now tasked to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in coordination with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Transportation, and economic zones.

The bill establishes the components of the Fire Protection Modernization Program, which include the following:

• Fire Protection Service
• Force restructuring and organizational development
• Capability, material and technology development,
• Specialized services development, and
• Human resource development

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who sponsored the measure, said that the bill will ensure that the BFP is well-equipped and manned to suppress fire and respond to calamities.

“We will not allow the BFP to prevent and suppress destructive fires alone. Sa tulong ng Senate Bill No. 1832, masisiguro natin na magkakaroon ng sapat na fire officers, fire trucks, personal protective equipment at ibang equipment na kailangan para maapula ang mga nakamamatay na sunog," he said.

"Bukod pa rito, mas magagampanan ng BFP ang kanilang tungkuling bilang 'first responder' sa mga sakuna, aksidente at iba pang emergency," he added.

Last week, an amendment in the measure was proposed to allow BFP personnel to bear short firearms during fire emergency situations.

Dela Rosa said the amendment was being proposed at the request of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"His intention was to arm the BFP personnel with short firearms because he wanted to make this personnel available to support the law enforcement operations of the PNP and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)," Dela Rosa said.

He added that BFP personnel need to protect themselves in times of fire emergencies against unscrupulous individuals.

This, however, was rejected by the majority of the members of the Senate, with Senator Grace Poe said carrying firearms is already beyond the mandate of the BFP.

"Hindi yun ang intensyon ng kanilang trabaho, hindi yan ang kanilang mandato. Dagdagan ninyo ang PNP na pwedeng makipagsapalaran sa mga pangangailangan nating domestic na mga hamon," she said.

"Pero para bigyan sila ng baril para gawin ang kanilang trabaho, parang hindi naman yan naaayon sa kanilang sinumpaan na tungkulin at trabaho," she added.

The House of Representatives approved its version of the measure on third and final reading last November.—LDF, GMA News