Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla called on the public to actively support transparency and accountability in the fire service by reporting irregular practices through the Unified 911 hotline. This initiative aims to further strengthen integrity within fire safety inspections and protect business owners from undue pressure.

“Kung meron mang (nangingikil), please call our hotline, call 911,” Remulla said, underscoring the government’s openness to citizen participation in governance.

To reinforce this commitment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), has implemented the mandatory use of body worn cameras during fire safety inspections. This ensures that all inspections are conducted strictly in line with standard operating procedures. Establishment owners are empowered to expect inspectors to comply with this requirement.

With the rollout of body cameras, inspections are now more transparent and efficient, as findings whether compliant or with noted violations are communicated in real time and fully documented. This system minimizes delays, strengthens trust, and promotes fairness on both sides.

The reforms are already yielding encouraging results. According to Remulla, there have been zero complaints reported in recent days, marking a significant improvement. “For the first time in history, wala nang harassment para sa mga may-ari ng negosyo,” he noted.

Highlighting the role of innovation, Remulla expressed optimism about the impact of technology-driven reforms. “From ten complaints a day to zero. We’re very happy that we used technology against corruption and it’s working,” he said.

The DILG remains confident that these measures will continue to foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and public trust within the fire service.