THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is leading an extensive probe into an alleged “slots-for-sale” scheme within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), involving over 200 officials and personnel, including all 18 regional directors, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on August 28 that more than 200 individuals are currently under investigation for allegedly demanding payments ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱800,000 from applicants in exchange for guaranteed positions in the BFP.
The investigation gained momentum after the CIDG Region 3 arrested a 32-year-old BFP employee in San Fernando City, Pampanga, on August 24.
Remulla confirmed that the employee was caught receiving ₱300,000 from a complainant seeking assistance to secure a job in the agency.
Another report indicated that some applicants were asked to pay as much as ₱500,000 for a slot.
CIDG findings also implicated a senior fire officer from the National Capital Region and led to the removal of a senior official in Calabarzon from his post as deputy regional director for administration.
The latter has been placed on restrictive duty pending further investigation.
This scandal emerges amid fierce competition for BFP vacancies, with 23,344 applicants vying for only 2,504 openings this year—about nine applicants per position.
Official BFP recruitment advisories emphasize that applying for Fire Officer 1 positions is free of charge and warn applicants against paying any fees.
A 2025 advisory from BFP Region 8 specifically urged applicants to report illegal recruitment activities.
BFP Director Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu stated that recruitment is now conducted online to reduce human interference, but some personnel allegedly circumvent the system for illicit profit.
The recruitment and appointment process is governed by Republic Act No. 9263, which sets qualification standards to professionalize the fire service, and Republic Act No. 11549, which amended height requirements for applicants.
Secretary Remulla assured the public that the DILG is committed to cleaning up the BFP and aims to resolve the issue within six months.
The investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the alleged network and hold accountable those involved.
