Paz refuses to accept replacement of fire chief

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has refused to accept Fire Superintendent Oscar Mayol as the city’s new fire marshal for the reason that Bureau of Fire and Protection-7 regional director Maria Luisa Hadjula had failed to inform her about the relief of Fire Marshal Victor Vibares.

Radaza said she recognizes City Fire Marshal Victor Vibares as the city’s fire department chief and not Mayol who took office last March 17.

She learned about Vibares’s relief when Mayol went to the mayor’s office with the intention of making a courtesy call.

Mayol failed to meet Radaza but was accommodated by Rolando Duero, the mayor’s private secretary.

“Wala gyud ko pahibaw-a bisan og sulat na lang nga hulipan si Vibares sa iyang katungdanan, nahibawo na lang ko dihang mibisita nako si Mayol,” Radaza said.

The mayor said she was satisfied with the performance of Vibares as city fire marshal. She will send Hadjula a letter to inquire why Vibares was replaced.

Radaza said to cite the fire in Camella Homes in barangay Pajac where two people were killed as the basis for the relief will be inadequate.

She said that since the city government supports the fire department, that the city be informed about changes in the fire department, especially in its leadership. (FREEMAN)