BAGUIO CITY — Residents and business owners in Itogon, Benguet are being urged to stay alert after the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) warned about individuals allegedly using the agency’s name while selling fire extinguishers.
In an advisory issued Friday, Sept. 18, BFP-Itogon said individuals reportedly traveling in a gray van have been going around the municipality offering fire extinguishers while invoking the name of the fire bureau.
The warning comes with an important clarification: BFP personnel are not authorized to sell or recommend a particular brand of fire extinguisher.
According to the local advisory, residents and establishments should verify the identity and affiliation of anyone claiming to represent the BFP before entering into a transaction or purchasing firefighting equipment.
BFP does not endorse specific fire extinguisher brands
The Itogon warning is consistent with longstanding BFP policy.
The BFP has publicly stated that its personnel are prohibited from selling or recommending specific fire extinguisher brands. Official BFP fire-safety guidance likewise carries a warning against personnel selling or recommending particular brands of fire-safety equipment.
The BFP also previously clarified through a government Freedom of Information response that it does not accredit sellers of fire extinguishers or firefighting equipment in particular.
That means consumers should be cautious when a salesperson claims that a product, store or brand is specifically “BFP-approved” or that the BFP is requiring them to purchase from a particular supplier.
Warning comes amid wider concerns over fire-extinguisher sales
The Itogon alert follows broader government scrutiny of questionable practices involving fire-safety inspections and fire extinguisher sales.
In January 2026, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced measures involving body cameras for BFP inspectors amid investigations into alleged irregularities involving fire-safety inspections and fire-extinguisher suppliers. TV5 reported that inspectors were expected to identify deficiencies in fire-safety equipment but should not recommend a specific product for replacement.
The issue was also reported by other Philippine news organizations, with DILG officials warning that some fire-extinguisher vendors allegedly approach businesses before BFP inspections.
The BFP has emphasized that inspectors can identify deficiencies, but recommending a particular brand or supplier is not part of their role.
Consumers should check before buying
The Department of Trade and Industry has separately warned consumers about unauthorized and substandard fire extinguishers.
DTI guidance has emphasized checking required certification markings, including the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker when applicable. The agency has also warned consumers to be cautious of counterfeit certification marks and products sold by unauthorized sellers.
For businesses and households, the concern is more than simply losing money. A defective, improperly certified or poorly maintained extinguisher may fail when it is actually needed during a fire.
Itogon BFP asks public to report suspicious activity
BFP-Itogon urged residents and establishments who encounter suspicious individuals claiming to represent the fire bureau to verify their identity before making any purchase or transaction.
According to the local advisory reported by Bombo Radyo Baguio, suspicious activities may be reported to the Oblacion Fire Station or Tuding Substation through the hotline 0930-793-2832.
The warning serves as a reminder that a salesperson carrying a fire extinguisher—or claiming to be connected with the BFP—does not automatically mean the seller or product has been endorsed by the government.
For residents and business owners, the safest approach is to verify first, check the product’s required certifications, and avoid making hurried purchases based solely on claims of BFP affiliation.
