More than 200 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are currently under scrutiny for their alleged participation in a scheme that involves selling recruitment slots. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) initiated the investigation following the arrest of a senior BFP officer.
Details of the Investigation
In a press briefing on August 28, 2026, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the probe includes the BFP's deputy regional director for administration in Calabarzon, who is believed to have conspired with another senior officer.
That is where you see the web of corruption. We suspect that something similar happened in all regions in the past, but we are confident that under the new system we have, there will no longer be payments for these ‘slots for sale.’
Jonvic Remulla, DILG Secretary
- Arrested officer allegedly solicited P500,000 for a position.
- At least four other applicants were reportedly charged P100,000 each for similar arrangements.
The investigation covers all BFP regional offices nationwide. Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu emphasized that the BFP recruitment process is free of charge and conducted without human intervention.
Tiu reiterated, "To the BFP applicants, I repeat: there is no payment required to enter our agency. If you are qualified, you will be accepted."
The DILG estimates that the BFP may be losing over P15 million annually due to various corrupt practices, including the illegal sale of fire extinguishers.
This current scandal follows the dismissal of 902 fire inspectors earlier this year due to corruption allegations. The DILG aims to restore integrity in the BFP's recruitment procedures as they continue to monitor all regional offices.