THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched a sweeping investigation into more than 200 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) amid allegations of a widespread “slot-for-sale” scheme in the bureau’s recruitment process.
This was announced by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla during a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday.
Secretary Remulla emphasized that the crackdown is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to enforce accountability and eradicate corruption within the BFP.
He issued a stern warning that those found guilty of involvement in the scheme will face legal consequences. “I am serious. I will not stop until all corrupt personnel in the BFP are jailed,” Remulla declared.
The investigation follows the recent arrest of a female BFP Senior Fire Officer 1 in Pampanga on August 24. She was apprehended after a BFP applicant reported her for allegedly extorting ₱300,000.
The official is now in custody under the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and faces charges including robbery, extortion, and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).
Earlier this year, the DILG filed cases against 11 other BFP officials for similar offenses.
Remulla vowed to dismantle what he described as a 25-year nationwide corruption network that reportedly generates ₱15 billion annually, where applicants pay between ₱100,000 and ₱800,000 to secure recruitment slots.
The BFP recruitment quota for this year is 2,504 positions, with 23,344 applicants competing. Remulla noted that the limited slots have fueled corruption in the selection process. He also revealed that the BFP Region 4A Assistant Regional Director is implicated in the Pampanga case and has been relieved pending investigation.
All BFP Regional Directors are under scrutiny as part of the department’s massive purge.
In addition to investigations, the DILG is implementing reforms to prevent future corruption. BFP Officer-in-Charge Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu reported the introduction of an e-hiring system that anonymizes applicants by assigning codes, ensuring selections are merit-based and transparent.
The DILG’s actions underscore its commitment to clean governance and restoring integrity in public service recruitment within the BFP.
