BFP ablaze with discontentment?

Some rank-and-file members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are said to be wondering when the next promotions that may include them will take place.

This comes as BFP officer-in-charge Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez, Deputy Chief for Administration, has been accused of promoting favored officials to key positions.

BFP sources told DAILY TRIBUNE that Fernandez has been making promotions despite the order of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stating that the OIC has no “power to appoint, designate, or reassign” BFP personnel.

“The Quezon City Fire Marshal position, for instance, saw Fernandez attempting to replace the current official with his favored choice, despite Secretary Remulla’s order,” a BFP source disclosed.

It may be recalled that Remulla designated Fernandez as OIC following the compulsory retirement of Fire Director Louie Puracan.

In DILG Order 2024-1329 dated 29 November, it was explicitly stated that Fernandez is not authorized to appoint, designate, or reassign BFP personnel and is only allowed to perform all administrative and operational duties of the bureau.

The order will remain in effect until President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appoints a new fire chief.

Puracan retired on 27 November 2024, after which Fernandez, being second in command, assumed the post in caretaker capacity.

Remulla also recalled what was described as Puracan’s midnight appointment of Fire Sr. Supt. Eddie Tanawan as Quezon City Fire Marshal, replacing Sr. Supt. Flor Ian Guerrero.

On 9 December last year, Remulla issued Department Order 1390 voiding Puracan’s midnight appointment of Tanawan.

Remulla’s recall order was based on complaints by Quezon City fire inspectors who alleged that Tanawan demanded payment whenever a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate was brought to him for his signature.

Fire officials and personnel, sources said, are hoping that Secretary Remulla would allow the promotion process to proceed to give deserving officials opportunities for advancement.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government oversees the BFP, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

DAILY TRIBUNE has been trying to get the side of Fernandez, as well as a reaction from Secretary Remulla, up to press time.