Año agrees fire officers should be armed for self-defense

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday that he favors personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to bear arms “at least for self-defense” since, as public safety officers, they could also be targeted by terrorists and criminals.

“Yes, I agree. At least for self-defense being public safety officers,” he told INQUIRER.net when asked to comment on President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that he would provide guns to fire officers so they can help maintain peace and order in the country.

The BFP is an agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“As part of the uniformed services like BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), we can always presume that they can be also targeted by terrorists and criminal groups,” said Año.

The DILG chief also said BFP personnel are the first responders not only during fire incidents but also in accidents and other emergencies.

“So I support the idea that they be issued with short firearms,” he explained.

In his speech during the 28th Founding Anniversary of the BFP, Duterte said the police and fire officers would now be “even” in exercising their authority once the latter also possess firearms.

“Tabla na kayo sa pulis (You are now even with the police). You have to help in the maintenance of law and order. Do not limit yourself sa ano (in) [putting out fire],” he said.