Senot warns BFP personnel against firing guns during Christmas season

Summary dismissal and a criminal case.

These would be what personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) would face if and when they fire their guns indiscriminately during the observation of the Christmas season nationwide.

Fire Chief Francisco Senot said yesterday that while BFP personnel have been issued firearms, the guns should be used primarily for police functions like crowd control operations during fires.

"The guns should not be used for other purposes that may cause unnecessary damage to life or property, which we have vowed to protect especially when we deal with conflagrations," Senot said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. had earlier called on all units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), to include the BFP, to act swiftly and resolutely on cases of indiscriminate firing made by police personnel during the Yuletide season.

Meanwhile, Senot also enjoined all BFP units to be on high alert this December, wherein fire accidents caused by explosion of fireworks and pyrotechnics are expected.

He also called on government fire personnel in the country to place their firetrucks and firefighting gadgets on "ready mode."

"Our continued preparation, alertness and quick response to these accidents are imperative," he said.