THE Bureau of Fire Protection said it fully supports Interior Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla’s campaign to strengthen the Department of the Interior and Local Government and root out corruption in its ranks.
The agency made the statement following a DILG press briefing in Quezon City on August 28, 2026.
In the briefing, Remulla said authorities are investigating more than 200 personnel over the alleged “slot-for-sale” scheme and vowed to clean up the organization.
He also cited cooperation among attached agencies, saying the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group was tapped to help resolve the problem and end what he described as a culture of corruption.
The BFP said its own internal cleansing efforts remain underway, with recent joint operations with the Philippine National Police’s CIDG leading to the arrest of two fire personnel.
On August 5, a Fire Officer 3 from BFP Region 1 was arrested over an alleged ₱150,000 recruitment scam, while on August 24, a Senior Fire Officer 1 from BFP NCR was caught in Region 3 for an alleged ₱
BFP Officer-in-Charge FCSupt. Wilberto Rico Neil A. Kwan Tiu said the agency has been following clear instructions from the Secretary to push reforms.
He said the BFP began the year by relieving 902 Fire Safety Inspectors, then implemented an E-Hiring System, and later apprehended the two fire officers.
According to him, the FO3 has already been issued a dismissal order, while administrative proceedings against the SFO1 are ongoing.
The agency also said it is tightening controls in its Fire Safety Enforcement System, including the relief of all 902 Fire Safety Inspectors in NCR and the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during inspections.
It said these measures are part of “OPLAN SANTINDIG,” its anti-extortion campaign covering recruitment and promotions.
The public may report recruitment irregularities through idd.dii@bfp.gov.ph or 09202543499.
