BUTUAN CITY – Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government said Bureau of Fire Protection personnel and officials found to be endorsing or selling fire extinguishers in exchange for permits or clearances will be charged and dismissed from service.

Robredo, who arrived here yesterday to assess the May 9 dawn fire that killed 17 young women workers of Novo Jeans and Shirts Enterprises, said there were already marching orders for BFP personnel and officials nationwide not to engage in any business, business proposals or even recommendation to applicants of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, BFP clearance and other permits from the fire agency.

Robredo also appealed to the public and the media to help stamp out corruption in the BFP.

He said he hopes that the tragic dawn fire will serve as an eye opener to BFP officials and personnel.

The official consolidated report of the Joint Inspection team composed of the City Licensing and Permits office, BFP, City Engineers’ Office, City Architect, Health and Sanitation showed some defects and inadequacies noted in the establishment during an inspection held September 13, 2011.*PNA

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