Warning out for fake fire official

The Makati Fire Department (MFD) has warned against the activities of fake fire safety inspectors demanding money from owners of business establishments in the city.

Fire Marshal Superintendent Arsenio Tabajonda Jr., said he is alarmed by the numerous complaints of establishment owners in Barangays Pio del Pilar, Palanan and San Isidro, who have been victimized by an individual who introduces himself as a Captain Navarro, Senior Inspector Ferrer and sometimes Inspector Rodriguez.

The suspect reportedly looks for minor violations of the Fire Code, and threatens the owner or the manager with closure if they don’t give him grease money. Unfortunately, Tabajonda said several owners were forced to give money to the impostor, who usually demands P500.

Tabajonda is requesting the cooperation of the owners and administrators of business establishments to immediately report to his office at telephone numbers 816-4014 and 8162553 any individual demanding money in exchange for a favorable fire inspection report.

Tabajonda also advised establishment owners, to ask for a copy of an inspector’s mission order duly signed by him, and an authorization issued by the Office of the Mayor to avoid being a victim of the modus operandi.