Fire inspectors to wear body cameras to avoid corruption in BFP — DILG

Fire inspectors will be wearing body cameras during building inspections, a move aimed at avoiding corruption in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In a “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, this move came after two BFP officials were relieved from their positions over allegedly accepting kickbacks from overpriced fire extinguishers.

It was earlier reported that the BFP officials allegedly collected P30 million from selling fire extinguishers to just one building.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said 14,000 body cameras were purchased so that conversations of fire inspectors will be recorded whenever they conduct inspections.

If they find that there are no deficiencies in the fire extinguisher, fire inspectors should immediately issue a recommendation for approval for those applying for a fire occupancy permit.

Currently, the BFP does not have a final list of its personnel they will file cases against with the Ombudsman.

“We have to use technology. Ito papasok sila, mas mayabang pa sila sa secretary ng DILG. Kung di mo ibigay yung gusto mo, sila ang kikita. Literally, holdup ang ginagawa nila. Panahon na tumigil ito,” Remulla said.

(We have to use technology because they seemed to be more arrogant than the DILG secretary. They literally engaged in holdup.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News