Rody Signs Law Allowing Firemen To Carry Guns

President Duterte signed on Friday, Sept. 10, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, which will allow over 2,000 firefighters to carry guns.

“Under the law, the BFP will embark on a 10-year modernization period, transforming it into a modern and world-class institution,” Duterte said in his remarks during a signing ceremony at Malacañang.

The modernization program will level up the current fire protection services of the BFP through the acquisition of new and modern equipment, vehicles and personal protective gear combined with regular skills capability enhancement training for personnel and officers, including fire volunteers and fire safety practitioners, on fire prevention and suppression, fire inspection and clearance, investigation, disaster preparedness, rescue, emergency medical response and other operations.

It also institutionalizes the fire protection bureau’s duty to respond to natural or man-made disasters and other emergencies, including the conduct of rescue operations, medical emergencies and containment of hazardous materials (HAZMAT), chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive or CBRNE materials.

Duterte defended the proposal to arm firefighters, noting the danger they confront in the performance of their duties.

“The problem is whenever there’s fire, everyone wants to be prioritized, especially if it’s a conflagration that is really a big one, they want their areas to be responded first, if not, they will threaten the firefighters who are helpless,” the President said.

“The police don’t enter the fire site… they maintain the traffic outside. Those who are angry cut the hose so there are many challenges in the work of the firefighters,” he added. “So we thought of just providing them firearms… that is for the wisdom of the Congress, we will bow to it.”

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, the sponsor of the bill, earlier said a total of 2,282 firefighters would be authorized to carry guns to help protect their colleagues in the performance of their duties.

These firefighters would be assigned under the proposed Security and Protection Unit of the BFP in each city and municipality nationwide.

Dela Rosa said the proposal was “borne out of a request coming from Malacañang, from the President.