Kagawad Darwin Zepeda of Barangay Payatas has publicly accused the barangay leadership of effectively dismissing vital emergency volunteers by not reappointing members of the Barangay Fire Brigade after their terms ended on December 31, 2025. In a detailed online address, Zepeda, who heads the disaster management committee, warned that this move has created a dangerous gap in first-response capabilities, jeopardizing public safety, especially during the recent New Year celebrations.
Zepeda clarified that while no one was “immediately terminated,” the barangay captain issued a memorandum in November 2025 calling for “cortical voluntary resignation” with a deadline of December 27, and subsequently did not renew the appointments of several fire brigade members. He argues this equates to removal, as their IDs expired on December 31. Zepeda vehemently opposed this, instructing his volunteers to remain on duty despite the administrative lapse, citing the critical need for their services during the fire-prone holiday period. He revealed that he formally sought clarification from the barangay council in a letter received on January 8 but claims his concerns and requests to hear the side of the fire marshal were dismissed.
The Kagawad Darwin Zepeda presented a multi-point case against the non-renewal:
Safety Crisis: He posed urgent questions about who would respond to traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and, most critically, fires if all volunteers with December 31 expirations stood down. He cited a fire response on January 2 as evidence of their continued necessity.
Inexperienced Replacements: Zepeda claimed the barangay trained new replacements in just “2-3 days,” questioning their readiness compared to his seasoned team who received annual, months-long training from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Procedural Flaw: He emphasized that the barangay operates as a council, suggesting the decision lacked proper consultation and due process. He also hinted at budget-related pressures, noting projects require majority signatures from the council.
Moral Injustice: He defended his volunteers’ dedication, contrasting their Php 6,000 monthly stipend with other allegedly less active personnel receiving higher pay. He stressed their sacrifice, including working through the New Year’s Eve festivities.
Zepeda denied spreading misinformation, stating he only informed his team they “had no more authority” and would “rest first.” He emphasized the fire brigade’s role as crucial first responders who coordinate with, but must act before, the BFP arrives. “Why would we wait for the BFP first before going to a fire? That’s wrong. We are the first responder here. This is our barangay,” he stated. He also appealed for fairness and humanity in administering barangay affairs, criticizing a culture of favoritism (“palakasan”).
The information is from a live video address by Kagawad Zepeda. The speech is impassioned and lengthy, indicating high tensions within the barangay leadership. Zepeda positions himself as an experienced disaster management officer fighting for both his personnel’s welfare and the community’s safety. The barangay captain’s side of the story is not included in this transcript.
Kagawad Zepeda concluded his address by thanking his audience and reiterating that his motive was to inform the public truthfully. The situation highlights ongoing administrative and political conflicts within Barangay Payatas that directly impact critical emergency services. As of the address, the status of the fire brigade volunteers remains in dispute.
