CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calabarzon urges the public to remain vigilant against individuals posing as fire personnel who conduct unauthorized inspections and falsely present themselves as government officials in order to deceive or scam victims.
This came after a reported incident in Bacoor City, Cavite, where the Philippine National Police Bacoor Component City Police Station informed the local BFP Fire Station that four individuals had been arrested for allegedly posing as employees of the Bacoor local government and conducting unauthorized fire safety inspections.
According to BFP Calabarzon, the Bacoor police submitted a copy of its report to the local BFP station following a complaint from a private individual who claimed that the suspects were conducting inspections without presenting valid identification cards, inspection orders, or any proof that they were authorized BFP personnel.
In his official statement, BFP Calabarzon Regional Director Fire Chief Superintendent Roy Roderick Aguto reminded the public, particularly business and establishment owners, to remain vigilant against such acts and immediately report suspicious individuals to the nearest fire or police station to prevent them from deceiving more victims.
“Hinihikayat ang publiko na huwag basta magpapasok o makikipagtransaksyon sa sinumang indibidwal na hindi makapagpakita ng wastong dokumento o nagpapakita ng kahina-hinalang kilos kaugnay ng fire safety inspection, pagproseso ng permits at clearances, o pagbebenta ng fire safety equipment. Para sa kaligtasan at proteksyon ng lahat, agad na makipag-ugnayan sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng BFP o sa lokal na kapulisan,” Director Aguto said.
The BFP then emphasized that legitimate fire safety inspections are conducted only by authorized personnel carrying valid identification cards, inspection orders, and other supporting documents that establish their legal authority to conduct inspections.
Meanwhile, during the operation, Bacoor PNP intelligence operatives recovered one red Mitsubishi vehicle, along with nine red and eight green fire extinguishers found inside the vehicle.
Authorities confirmed that the arrested suspects had no employment records, official designation, or authorized assignment with the BFP.
A case for Usurpation of Authority and Official Function and Estafa has been filed by the Bacoor police station against the arrested individuals. (COP/PIA CALABARZON with reports from BFP Region IV-A)
