Fire bureau chief warns public vs fake inspectors

BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) head Chief Inspector Bartolome Beliran warned the public on Tuesday to be vigilant against fake inspectors who introduce themselves as personnel of BFP-Bacolod to conduct inspection in business establishments.

Beliran said they received several complaints from different business owners in Bacolod City that there were fake inspectors who introduced themselves as members of BFP and conduct inspection within their business establishments.

These “inspectors,” according to complaints, ask for money intended for the purchase of a fire extinguisher.

He said the fake inspectors will choose their targets in different business establishments in the city and they will introduce themselves as members of BFP allegedly sent by the said office to conduct an inspection in the area.

He added if the suspects manage to enter the building, they will immediately check the expiration of the fire extinguisher and tell the business owner to acquire a new one as soon as possible or else they will pay a hefty penalty.

Beliran said the suspects will suggest that the owner buy a fire extinguisher from them, so that they could install it as soon as possible. However, after they take the money, they will not return to the area.

He said the suspects also used the names of some of the inspectors of BFP to perpetrate their plan.

He explained that real BFP inspectors conduct an inspector with an order from the BFP chief. They are also in proper uniform with identification cards.

"If you encounter such incident, report it immediately to the police for the apprehension of the suspect and for the filing of charges against them," he said. (MAP)