By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officer-in-charge Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu on Tuesday ordered the relief of all currently designated Fire Safety Inspectors (FSIs) in Metro Manila as part of sweeping reforms to clean up the bureau’s fire enforcement system.
In a statement, the BFP said Metro Manila, as the country’s premier region, was chosen as the starting point of the reform due to its high concentration of business establishments and FSIs.
The move aims to establish a new standard for transparency before the program is expanded to other regions, the BFP said.
According to Kwan Tiu, qualified personnel who have not previously served as FSIs will replace those relieved, based on training and service records.
“If the BFP National Capital Region (NCR) lacks enough qualified personnel, personnel from outside NCR shall fill the gap,” he said.
The initiative aligns with other measures introduced by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, including the use of body-worn cameras during inspections to ensure that all interactions are properly recorded and transparent.
Kwan Tiu acknowledged that many FSIs are honest and dedicated, but said the total relief is necessary to address systemic anomalies and ensure a fresh start.
He emphasized that the directive prioritizes the integrity of the bureau and the protection of the public, while ensuring due process in the inspection system and promoting greater transparency.
The BFP reiterated its commitment to public safety through strict and fair enforcement of the fire code.
The move comes nearly two weeks after then-BFP chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez was suspended over allegations of graft and corruption linked to an alleged PHP14.7-million kickback from the bureau’s 2024 ambulance procurement.
Kwan Tiu was later appointed as BFP officer-in-charge in Fernandez’s place. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
