General Enrique Linsangan, Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, has noted the increased in numbers of people selling, buying and using substandard Christmas lights during this holiday season.
He urgently reminds users to be cautious or better yet, to discard these kind of decorating materials because they are wrapped in combustible cheap plastics and mass-produced in order to reach the market in time for the holidays.
Linsangan says many of the causes of fire during the Christmas season are the defective and careless use of these decorative lights.
He calls upon the people to use the safe and good quality products which may be higher in price — but are tested and proven safe.
The warning comes after reports of fire that hit houses in Metro Manila the past days which claimed lives and destroyed properties simply because they used cheap substandard decorative lights.
In a news conference held by the PSciJourn News Service at the Bacolod Inasal Restaurant at the Quezon City Circle, General Linsangan also says, the bureau has been doing good jobs despite they lack fire trucks and modern equipment.
He mentions the low appropriation given to the PFP that is why they resort to everything even buying substandard fire truck with only six months warranty.
These trucks become useless after warranty period and become mere displays in stations like what some people call…white elephants.
Linsangan also noted that out of the meager budget, 85-percent is used for salaries of personnel while 15 percent goes to operating expenses.
The meager outlay also causes the undermanned situation in the Bureau of Fire Prevention all over the country.
He adds, that another problem is the outmoded 1948 Fire Code of the Philippines, that is why a new improved Fire Code is needed so much to respond and serve well the communities in remote and urban areas.
Linsangan says he has submitted a proposed code in the office of Senator Allan Peter Cayetano and hopes a positive turnout from the Senate.
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