DILG: Arming of firemen to boost drive vs crimes

MANILA, Philippines — Giving personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) firearms will help boost the government’s campaign against drugs, terrorism and other crimes, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said yesterday.

Año said arming the 29,286 firefighters is timely and practical as they will help other law enforcement agencies eradicate crimes.

“Maintaining law and order is not an easy task. Despite the decreasing crime rate in the country, having the BFP’s firefighters in our peace and order campaign is a welcome addition in ensuring a safe country,” he said.

He said the move is in line with President Duterte’s directive of expanding BFP personnel’s duties beyond combating fires.

Starting this year, firefighters will be issued 9mm pistols, which they can also use to protect themselves from fire victims who sometimes gang up on them out of frustration, Año said.

The BFP personnel will also undergo marksmanship and gun safety training before they get their firearms.

The fire bureau has requested funding from the Department of Budget and Management for the procurement of firearms.

At least P900 million will be allotted for the acquisition of handguns, the DILG said.