BFP Aklan on heightened alert
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has reminded the public to be extra vigilant in the celebrations of Christmas and New Year.
Senior Fire Officer 4 Darius Melgarejo said the BFP is closely monitoring fire-prone areas in the capital town of Kalibo in preparation for fire incidents caused by firecrackers and electrical overload.
BFP Kalibo earlier launched its “Oplan Padumdum” to raise awareness and extra cautious on the dangers of pyrotechnics and Christmas lights which could cause fire incidents.
Melgarejo said the firefighters are on heightened alert and are ready to respond to fire incidents related to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Aklan has seven fire stations in the towns of Balete, New Washington, Altavas, Ibajay, Kalibo, Numancia and the island of Boracay.
“BFP will go around the identified areas prone to fire incidents, especially in C. Laserna, Salazar compound and Oyo Torong areas, and to intensify the campaign on fire prevention,” he said in a radio interview.
BFP, he said, has designated a common area for the selling of firecrackers at the back of Kalibo Municipal Cemetery.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has appealed to the public to buy International Commodity Clearance (ICC)-marked for safe and reliable Christmas lights products.