QUEZON CITY, Philippines — January 28, 2026 — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has vowed to investigate allegations that some volunteer firefighters stole bottles of liquor from a supermarket gutted by fire in Barangay Pasong Putik, North Fairview, Quezon City.

The blaze broke out at around 4:44 a.m. and quickly escalated to the fifth alarm by 5:16 a.m. before being declared under control at 8:01 a.m. While responders were busy extinguishing the fire and conducting post-incident mapping, reports surfaced that certain volunteers allegedly took liquor products from the establishment.

BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo confirmed that they received reports of the incident but clarified that there was no evidence that official BFP personnel were involved. “We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if volunteer firefighters indeed stole bottles of liquor,” Arroyo said.

Around 30 volunteer firefighter groups responded to the blaze, and all are now subject to verification. A video circulating on social media showed an individual rummaging through the debris and allegedly concealing a bottle of liquor inside his Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

Arroyo noted that the PPE seen in the footage did not match the standard-issue gear of BFP personnel, further suggesting that the suspect was from a volunteer group.

The BFP is currently working to identify the individuals involved and the specific volunteer group they belong to. Arroyo warned that those proven guilty could face confiscation of their identification cards and revocation of their Certificates of Competency. He added that the BFP is prepared to assist the supermarket owners should they decide to file theft charges against the suspects.

“If the allegations are confirmed, the individuals may face criminal charges and lose their competency certificates,” Arroyo stressed.

The BFP reminded all responders to uphold discipline and integrity during operations, especially in disaster situations where public trust and safety are at stake. The agency reiterated that misconduct will not be tolerated and that accountability measures will be strictly enforced.

When Trust Burns With the Fire

A fire destroys property. Alleged theft during a fire destroys trust. That difference matters. Responders are summoned not only for speed and skill, but for integrity when chaos blurs lines and no one is watching. Public faith rests on the belief that help arrives without hidden cost.

Most firefighters, paid or volunteer, act with courage and discipline. That is why a single act of misconduct cuts deeper than the value of stolen goods. It stains the uniform others worked hard to honor.

Emergencies reveal character under pressure. If disaster response cannot guarantee moral restraint alongside bravery, how can the public trust those sworn to protect when everything else is already burning?

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