The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has complained against uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who reportedly made a "discrediting statement" against the BFP online.
BFP chief Louie Puracan reached out to PNP chief Vicente Danao over the remarks of PCPL Rexterdan Tubu Manaloto, personnel assigned in Angeles City, Pampanga, who described the BFP as "relaxed."
Manaloto made the remarks over a TikTok video under the username "Rexter Dan," where he was supposed to compare the BFP, PNP, and Bureau of Jail Management.
According to the BFP, while Manaloto is entitled to his own opinion, he should be able to abide by the prescribed standards required for public office.
"The term 'relaxed' may just be an ordinary term but, it presents a heavy connotation synonymous to easygoing, lazy, and undemanding, which are unfair and discriminatory attributes to the BFP," said Puracan.
In addition to the "relaxed" remark, Puracan said Manaloto did not demonstrate any shame when he provoked confrontation and "arrogantly conveyed that he does not give a hoot about what people may think of his remarks" in the video's comment section.
The BFP chief then said they believe Manaloto violated Republic Act No. 6713 for his irresponsible social media posting, which is also constitutive of Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Public Officer.
"As a government agency with a public figure status, we know that we are subject to public attention and critique, however, we cannot just remain nonchalant for any discrediting statement made with reckless disregard to the stature and reputation of an ally in the uniformed ranks," said Puracan.
The PNP has yet to comment on the complaint, but the Office of the Chief PNP received the letter on Monday.
