ILOILO City – Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Western Visayas have been warned: Do not engage in online gambling while on duty.
BFP-6 director, Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido learned some of his personnel were engaging in gambling, particularly online sabong (e-sabong), in their office.
“If in the office, avoid doing other activities not related to the job,” Candido said. “Kon off-duty pwede ka on-line sabong pero as long as they are in the office, we don’t allow them.”
Candido also advised his personnel to instead save their money, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Those engaged in e-sabong would be facing administrative charges,” Candido said.
They will also be held liable for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Anti-Illegal Gambling Act) as amended in relation to Republic Act (RA) 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Meanwhile, Candido said 18 BFP personnel were recently reprimanded in a surprised inspection.
They were caught not in their posts, not wearing the proper uniform, sleeping while on duty and for not cleaning their fire trucks, Candido said.
One BFP personnel was also suspended for a month for leaving his post.
“I will continue to conduct surprise inspections to all BFP stations,” Candido said./PN
