The cellphone number used in a false fire report in Bacolod City has been recorded and may be subjected to further investigation, the Bacolod City Fire Station said.
City Fire Marshal FSupt. Jenny Mae Masip on Tuesday condemned the false emergency report and fraudulent food delivery orders that occurred at an address in Villa Angela Subdivision, Brgy. Villamonte, on Monday night, June 8.
Masip said the Bacolod City Fire Station received information at around 8:40 p.m. from the Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade about a reported residential fire in the area.
Firefighters were immediately dispatched in accordance with emergency response protocols, but responders discovered that no fire had occurred.
Further information gathered showed that the same address was allegedly used to place fraudulent food delivery orders involving about five Foodpanda riders and one GrabFood rider.
The incident caused inconvenience, financial losses, and unnecessary exposure of delivery personnel to potential danger, the fire station said.
Masip said false emergency reports waste valuable resources and place both the public and emergency responders at risk.
She said such acts may divert firefighters, fire trucks, equipment, and personnel from legitimate emergencies where lives and property may be at stake.
The Bacolod City Fire Station also warned that persons found responsible for intentionally making false emergency reports may face liability under applicable laws, including provisions on public alarm, unlawful use of communication facilities, obstruction of public services, and other relevant laws.
Those who intentionally place fraudulent food delivery orders may also face possible civil and criminal liabilities depending on the results of the investigation.*
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