DILG chief urges: Report fire inspections corruption

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday called on the public to report irregular practices within the fire service through the national 911 hotline, part of a new push for transparency in business safety inspections.

The initiative aims to protect business owners from extortion and undue pressure during mandatory fire safety checks. Remulla stressed that citizen participation is vital to maintaining the integrity of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“If there is anyone extorting, please call our hotline, call 911,” Remulla said.

To curb corruption, the DILG and the fire bureau have mandated the use of body-worn cameras during all inspections. The move ensures that interactions are documented in real time and that inspectors follow standard operating procedures.

Business owners are now encouraged to insist that inspectors wear and activate the cameras before allowing a check to proceed.

Remulla said the technological shift has already led to a drastic reduction in reported abuses.

“From 10 complaints a day to zero,” Remulla said. “We’re very happy that we used technology against corruption and it’s working. For the first time in history, there is no more harassment for business owners.”

By documenting findings as they happen, the department said the system minimizes delays in the issuance of fire safety certificates and strengthens public trust in government regulators.

The agency plans to continue the rollout of digital monitoring tools to foster a culture of professionalism within the fire service.