Prioritize protective equipment, not guns — BFP-7

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Central Visayas has admitted that the lack of equipment has been a challenge in its operations in the region.

BFP-7 superintendent Fritzie Manatad said the equipment for both personnel and operations are insufficient.

The bureau has 1,328 firemen but only 638 of them were provided with fire coats and trousers, he said.

Also, the bureau lacks 25 helmets, 426 gloves, and other protective gears like boots and breathing apparatus.

Manatad said the ratio of breathing apparatus should be 1:1 or one breathing apparatus per one fireman.

“Kulang gyud. Challenge siya pero kitang mga Pilipino mangita man gyud og paagi maong maka-respond gihapon,” he told The FREEMAN in an interview yesterday.

From January to May 2021, BFP-7 responded to 409 fire incidents in the region—at least two operations a day.

In each operation, Manatad said, 690 responders do not have PPE.

He said some firemen even bought their personal protective equipment (PPE) using their own money, while others borrow PPE from other firefighters.

Also, he said local government units extend assistance during firefighting operations.

“Despite our lack of equipment, we look for ways and solutions as not to disrupt or affect our operations,” he said.

Aside from equipment deficiency, Manatad also said there are also stations that do not have a fire station yet.

As for the fire trucks, BFP-7 has 187.

The highly-urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu have 12, seven and 58 functional fire trucks, respectively.

Other fire trucks were distributed to the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol.

On the other hand, Manatad said it may not be an immediate concern for the region’s firefighters to wield firearms.

“Ang guns maayo man na sya for protection pero kun during firefighting dili man na kinahanglan. Ang crew sa fire trucks dili na sila makahuna-huna ana kay moasdang gani sila sa kalayo para maka-save,” he said.

During operations, he said, BFP coordinates with the police to ensure the safety of the fire personnel.

He made the comment after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the former chief of the national police force, sponsored last week the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Bill in the plenary for the Senate to be ratified. But the amendment to the proposal invited questions and raised concerns.

The amendment allows BFP personnel to carry short firearms during fire emergencies and disasters, provided that training will be undertaken with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police.

The former PNP chief said that equipping the bureau with firearms is for their own protection.

Manatad said the need for guns as protection during fire responses may vary per area of jurisdiction.

“Allocation of fire equipment should be prioritized. Mauna gyud unta ang atoang need for equipment ug sa mga fire trucks. Kay ang guns maka-ask man tag assistance sa police,” he said. — KQD (FREEMAN)