Fire safety inspections in Mangaldan, Pangasinan now require inspectors to wear body cameras, a move the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) says will improve transparency and prevent irregularities during inspections of business establishments.

The policy took effect on January 19, 2026, and bars fire inspectors from inspecting establishments unless they are wearing body cameras and carrying a valid inspection order, according to the Mangaldan Fire Station.

Fire Inspector FO3 Christian Verosil said inspectors inform business owners clearly that inspections are recorded.

“Pagdating namin, magpapakilala kami sa kanila na mula kami sa BFP, may dala kaming inspection order, tapos sinasabi namin na ito ay recorded,” Verosil said.

Officials said the use of body cameras aims to make inspections more transparent and accountable, particularly during fire safety compliance checks inside commercial establishments.

Fire Marshal FS Insp. Jonathan De Vera said the policy is intended to deter misconduct.

“For transparency at saka para maiwasan ang anomalya,” De Vera said.

The BFP said inspections remain scheduled due to limited equipment, with only three inspection teams currently equipped with body cameras that can operate at the same time.

Local business owners welcomed the measure, saying it helps ensure fair inspections.

“Mas okey ’yun para legit ang inspection, walang under the table,” Edgar Jaraba, a businessman, said.

The BFP said more than 2,000 commercial establishments in Mangaldan are targeted for inspection this year. So far, more than 400 establishments have been issued fire safety permits.

Officials said inspections will continue as scheduled while the BFP works to expand body camera availability for inspection teams.