Firefighters undergo PDEA training

CEBU, Philippines — In order to help the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the campaign against illegal drugs, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) -7 conducted a seminar led by PDEA -7 on November 20 and 21.

At least fifty fire inspectors from different fire bureaus in Central Visayas attended the seminar which aims to enable fire personnel familiarize with drug paraphernalia and any equipment related in manufacturing of illegal drugs that they may encounter when conducting inspections in any establishments.

BFP–7 Director Samuel Tadeo said that this is the second time they are conducting a seminar in relation to illegal drugs as partners of the PNP and PDEA in the war against drugs.

Although, the BFP personnel are not authorized to arrest drug personalities, Tadeo said that what information they gather will be immediately reported to the police.

“May nakikita sila tapos nirereport agad sa police…Magagamit nila ito sa pagconduct kasi may normal inspection naman kaming ginagawa sa mga establishment para kapag pumapasok sila sa isang establishment, kasi naiikot nila iyun eh, at least madi-determine nila baka itong equipment na ito ay ginagamit sa paggawa ng illegal drugs,” said Tadeo.

PDEA–7 spokesperson Leia Albiar said that their agency appreciates the efforts made by the BFP–7 in the fight against illegal drugs.

Albiar also encouraged other agencies and even private companies to conduct information drives against illegal drugs.

Fire Olympics

Meanwhile, to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among firefighters, the BFP–7’s 2-day Fire Olympics opened yesterday at the Ayala Center Grounds in Cebu City.

The Olympics, set to last until today, is participated by personnel from different regional offices from fire bureaus in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu North, Cebu South, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and Bohol.

Tadeo said that the event will help hone the skills of the firefighters and for them to know in which areas they need to improve.

“Para ma-determine ang capability ng mga tauhan natin para na din malaman kung alin ang kailangan i-improve para na rin maging competent sila sa mga sarili nila,” said Tadeo.

The Fire Olympics included events such as rescue relay participated by four participants per team; hose unrolling and rolling event participated by four participants; the busted hose and church – up the ladder event which requires eight participants per team.

Tadeo said that the winner will be the representative of Region 7 in the National Fire Olympics which will be held in Manila next year.

This is the second fire Olympics conducted by the BFP-7.

The Bohol fire bureau team emerged as last year’s champion. (FREEMAN)