The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has launched a formal investigation after a video went viral showing the alleged looting of grocery items while extinguishing a fire at the Landers Superstore in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City on January 28.
According to Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo, chief of the BFP Public Information Service, the agency immediately ordered a fact-finding probe after the video went viral on social media. The investigation is expected to yield results within 48 hours. He noted that the people in the video may be fire volunteers only and did not receive official PPE from the BFP.
Arroyo clarified that the group of those involved has not yet been identified and that they are not officially affiliated with the BFP. However, he assured that the possibility of the involvement of BFP personnel is not being ruled out until the investigation is complete. The official firefighters are easily identifiable because their PPE is marked on the front and back.
He added that if it is proven that those involved are not BFP officials, the agency is ready to assist Landers management in filing criminal cases, including qualified theft. In case any BFP personnel are identified, they will immediately file administrative cases for grave misconduct in addition to any criminal charges.
Currently, the investigation into the cause of the Landers fire is still ongoing. According to Arroyo, based on initial observations, it started near the center of the store where there were many grocery items, plastics, and chemicals that quickly spread the fire. Firefighters used self-contained breathing apparatus due to thick smoke and toxic gases. The process of determining the cause includes the analysis of lab tests, CCTV footage, and witness testimony.
