ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region 6 is warning the public against persons namedropping it.
A man who introduced himself as a BFP member was arrested while trying to ask money from a businesswoman in Barangay Poblacion, Ilawod, Sara, Iloilo in exchange for “services.”
Businessmen and businesswomen must inform the police or the BFP in cases such as this, according to Jail Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido, BFP-6 director.
On Saturday (June 19), BFP members and police personnel of the Sara police station arrested Bernabe Tito, 33, a resident of Barangay Crespo, Sara.
According to Candido, the suspect’s modus operandi was to go introduce himself as a BFP inspection team member. He would then tell his victims to check their fire extinguishers if these were still functional.
“Hambalon ‘ya dayun ipa-refill or baligyaan ‘ya ang mga tag–iya sang business establishments. Kon indi magsugot ginapahog nya kag pangayu-an kwarta,” Candido said.
He said one of the complainants, Emily Arcede of Dumlao bakeshop located in the town’s Barangay Poblacion, called their municipal counterparts to check if they have one personnel conducting an inspection.
Fire Officer 3 (FO3) Joselito Servedad, together with the police, verified and they caught the suspect negotiating with the complainant.
The suspect also reportedly victimized Adept Enterprises.
Candito told Panay News they wear BFP uniform with identification cards when conducting inspections and they do not sell or refill fire extinguishers.
“If there is a defect, we write an incident report then give the establishment a week to comply,” Candido said.
On the other hand, Sara police chief, Police Major Jose Nemias Pamplona, said the suspect had another companion, but when authorities came over, only Tito was there.
The suspect would be charged with violation of Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (usurpation of authority)./PN
