The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-6) has launched an impartial investigation into the failure of a responding fire truck to immediately discharge water during the July 13 fire incident at the Feeder Port in Barangay Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia, Iloilo.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 16, the BFP-6 acknowledged the public’s concern over the incident, saying the investigation aims to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the fire response.
While the investigation is being conducted, the regional office relieved Fire Inspector Jory L. Biliran, acting municipal fire marshal, and the fire truck operator from their duties.
The relief, according to the BFP-6, is an administrative measure intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation and should not be interpreted as a finding of liability.
Investigators will examine possible equipment deficiencies, maintenance practices, operational procedures, and personnel accountability.
Should the investigation uncover any lapses, the BFP-6 assured that appropriate administrative and corrective measures will be implemented in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
In a video making the rounds on social media, firefighters were seen attempting to suppress the blaze but initially unable to discharge water from the fire hose.
In an interview with DYRP Life Radio Iloilo, Biliran said the first responding fire truck, a Mitsubishi Canter, experienced a mechanical malfunction involving its power take-off (PTO) system, preventing it from immediately discharging water upon arriving at the scene.
The fire destroyed an estimated P126,000 worth of property, affecting seven coffee stalls, with five totally destroyed and two sustaining partial damage.Jeanne Rose Sazon, WVSU-COC intern/IMT
