Comar accused of dishonesty

CEBU, Philippines - After exposing alleged anomalies in the Bureau of Fire Protection–7, Cebu City Fire Marshal Aderson Comar is himself facing administrative charges for alleged illegal activities.

Almost two weeks after Comar exposed alleged illegal activities of some BFP personnel, BFP Regional Director Ma. Louisa Hadjula yesterday issued an 11-page report on the investigation into Comar’s alleged illegal activities.

“I tried my best to make the image of the BFP better, it’s about time as a mother kailangan ipalabas ang katotohanan,” she said.

Comar is accused of dishonesty and falsification after allegedly claiming reimbursements for the repair and maintenance of unserviceable fire trucks.

The Cebu City fire station reported that out of 11 vehicles issued to Cebu City, one is already beyond repair while two are unserviceable.

However, on June 2011, Comar received a check under his name for P100,000 for the repair and maintenance of 10 vehicles including two vehicles which were “declared to be unserviceable” sine January 2011. 

Hadjula also said Comar committed “serious dishonestly by declaring that two of the fire trucks are already unserviceable as shown in the date of fire trucks signed by him but reimbursing the funds for its repair and maintenance.”

She also accused Comar of grave misconduct and open disobedience for deliberately disobeying a legitimate order.

After 49 fires between January 3, 2011 up to the present, Hadjula reportedly removed SFO2 Rogelio Baran as head of the Fire Safety and Enforcement Section, adding that Baran, a criminologist by profession, is not fit for the position.

Instead, Hadjula recommended for the position, Engr. Ronnie Magalang whom she claimed is fit for the position as an engineer and experienced firefighter. This reportedly irked Comar.

Comar’s adverse reaction to Baran’s reportedly showed how difficult he was to work with “because of his abusive conduct and arrogant behavior…Comar acted like a showbiz personality.”

Instead, Comar reportedly issued “Office Order Number 2011” reinstating Baran as FSES Chief which is an illegal order tantamount to gross misconduct.

“It is hard to imagine that a subordinate will issue an order declaring that, all orders and issuance inconsistent with this are further rescinded again a lawful order of his superior.” Hadjula said.

“Upon assuming his position as City Fire Marshal Officer-In-Charge, in blatant disregarded for established Civil Service Rules, he issued various orders relieving and designating Cebu City personnel,” she added.

Hadjula through their legal officer, Senior Insp. Karlo Benito Cruz, said they will file their case within the next two weeks.

Relieving Comar is out of Hadjula’s power as only the DILG secretary can relieve city fire marshals like Comar. 

Comar who was present during the press conference remained silent. When asked for comment he said “I have the right to remain silent.”

Hadjula also said many have been going to her office complaining about the conduct of Comar, particularly his “arrogance towards other personnel, especially those under his command.”

Hadjula even questioned his qualifications as fire marshal saying a fire marshal should have the rank of chief inspector.

In another statement to the media, Comar reportedly questioned the designation of Magalang as FSES chief to replace Baran. —/BRP (FREEMAN)