On Fire Chief's Relief, Radaza rejects reg'l director's explanation

CEBU, Philippines - The issue over the replacement of Lapu-Lapu City Fire Marshall is not over yet.

Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday said she is unsatisfied with the explanation issued by top officials of the Bureau of Fire and Protection regional office over the relief of Fire Marshal Victor Vibares.

In a talk with reporters, Mayor Radaza said she received a letter from Bureau of Fire and Protection-7 regional director Maria Luisa Hadjula which explained why Vibares relieved.

Radaza said Hadjula cited complaints raised by concerned residents of Lapu-Lapu City against the leadership of Vibares.

She said she wants to meet Hadjula.

Radaza has refused to accept Fire Superintendent Oscar Mayol as the city’s new fire marshal because Hadjula had failed to inform her about Vibares’s relief.

Radaza said she recognizes City Fire Marshal Victor Vibares as the city’s fire department chief and not Mayol who took office last March 17.

She learned about Vibares’s relief when Mayol went to the mayor’s office with the intention of making a courtesy call last week.

Mayol failed to meet Radaza but was accommodated by Rolando Duero, the mayor’s private secretary.

The city mayor reiterated she was satisfied with Vibares’s performance as city fire marshal.

She said since the city government supports the fire department, the city should be informed about changes in the fire department, especially in its leadership. - THE FREEMAN