Ready, aim, fire! Duterte mulls arming firemen to help in peace keeping

PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines—After putting out the fire, firemen should now also look for criminals.

President Rodrigo Duterte said this Thursday as he suggested arming firemen to help maintain law and order in the country.

“Pa-issuehan ko kayo ng baril, kayong mga bumbero. Pagkatapos ng tubig, tao naman ang hanapin ninyo,” Duterte said during the 28th Founding Anniversary of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“You help in the maintenance of peace and order…make it safe for everybody. ‘Yan ang area mo kung saan ang istasyon mo. If you do that it will go a long way to help,” he added.

The President claimed that firemen and police are now “even” when it comes to exercising their authority.

“Tabla na kayo sa police. You have to help in the maintenance of law and order. Do not limit yourself sa ano,” he said.

Duterte also vowed to deliver more firetrucks to help boost BFP’s capabilities.

“I feel your heartaches. I can feel your sorrow, your inadequacy sa trabaho ninyo na wala. At mag-usap lang kami ni Secretary Año and we will… But you will have more trucks,” he said.

The President then praised the BFP for its “steadfast commitment to duty, even if it places your lives at risk, truly inspires all of us, especially those who are in the field of public service.”

“I assure you that this administration will continue to pursue programs and other initiatives that will enhance your professional and operational capabilities,” Duterte said.