Bandilla is new fire bureau chief (3:22 p.m.)

MANILA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced the appointment of Chief Superintendent Rolando Bandilla Jr. as the new director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus said Bandilla’s appointment was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last February 1.

A member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Tagapagtanggol Class of 1986, Bandilla succeeded BFP Director Enrique Linsangan who retired last November 15, 2008.

“I welcome this new assignment and look it as a challenge and a great opportunity for me to be of more service to BFP and to the people,” Bandilla said in statement.

Bandilla added that his programs will center on the capability building of the BFP in terms of mobility, equipment, fire trucks, rescue and medical facility.

The Quezon native said he will try to "uplift the ethical standards of BFP personnel particularly those assigned in fire safety enforcement" like the fire and arson investigators. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)