INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla . announced the immediate relief of several officials from the Makati City Fire Station following a surprise inspection on Tuesday.
The inspection revealed that parked vehicles belonging to station personnel were blocking the fire truck bay, a clear violation of the Fire Code.
Remulla expressed serious concern over the obstruction, stating that it could significantly impede emergency response times in the event of a fire or other public safety emergency. He emphasized the critical need for unimpeded access to fire trucks and ambulances.
“This is unacceptable,” Remulla said in a press briefing. “The safety and security of the citizens of Makati should be the utmost priority. Obstructing the fire truck bay is a blatant disregard for this responsibility.”
Republic Act 9514, the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2004, and its 2019 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations explicitly prohibit any obstruction of fire trucks and emergency response vehicles. Violations can result in administrative liability for willful impropriety or gross negligence.
The DILG has issued a nationwide directive to all fire station chiefs, instructing them to strictly enforce the no-parking policy near fire trucks and to immediately remove any unauthorized vehicles blocking access. The department is committed to ensuring that fire stations maintain optimal operational readiness at all times.
The relieved officials are currently under investigation, and further disciplinary action may be taken depending on the findings.
The DILG stressed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency within its fire service units. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and prioritizing public safety.
