Volunteer Firefighters Under Investigation for Alleged Theft During Quezon City Supermarket Fire
Several volunteer firefighters who allegedly took alcoholic beverages from a burned supermarket will face sanctions.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating reports that some volunteer firefighters may have taken bottles of alcohol from a supermarket that burned down in Barangay Pasong Putik, North Fairview, Quezon City
The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and quickly escalated, reaching the fifth alarm before it was fully extinguished by 8:01 a.m.
The alleged incident reportedly happened while responders were focused on putting out the fire and conducting post-incident assessments. According to BFP officials, there is no evidence that any of the individuals involved were official BFP personnel.
Still, the allegations prompted the agency to launch a thorough investigation to determine the facts.
Around 30 groups of volunteer firefighters responded to the blaze, and all potential individuals involved in the incident are currently undergoing verification. The investigation aims to confirm whether any volunteers actually took items from the damaged supermarket.
The BFP clarified that if the allegations are proven true, those involved could face criminal charges. In addition, their certificates of competency could be revoked, preventing them from participating in future firefighting activities.
Authorities emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity for all responders, especially during emergency operations. They reminded both official and volunteer personnel that public trust is essential in their line of work, and actions that compromise that trust will not be tolerated.
The fire itself caused a huge damage to the supermarket, but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties.
The BFP’s ongoing investigation will clarify the situation, and the agency is urging the public to allow the process to unfold while maintaining respect for due process.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the
incident
READ ALSO: