Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed formal administrative charges against 12 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) over alleged recruitment corruption and inspection irregularities in several regions.According to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, four former senior officials of BFP Region VIII were charged for their alleged involvement in a “slot-for-sale” scheme during the 2025 Fire Officer 1 recruitment.Remulla said applicants were reportedly required to pay between P400,000 and P800,000 in exchange for guaranteed inclusion in the final list of successful candidates.“Lahat sila ay member ng Human Resource Merit Selection and Promotions Board at ginawang negosyo ang serbisyo publiko. Para sa isang slot, makapasok lang sa BFP,” Remulla said.The Interior chief presented screenshots of conversations between one of the respondents and a complainant, where the official allegedly instructed the applicant on where to deliver the cash payment.The complainant even attempted to negotiate a lower amount and proposed paying the remaining balance once officially appointed.“Nakita niyo ‘yung pattern? Dati, sinabi ko na sa inyo na ginawang sindikato ang buong BFP. For the first time, we are showing conclusive proof na ang aplikante ay kailangan magbayad,” Remulla added.The four respondents have been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension to prevent possible interference and to protect the integrity of the proceedings.Meanwhile, six officials from BFP Region X were also formally charged for alleged recruitment irregularities, including approving applicants without the required Medical, Physical, and Dental clearances and failing to properly release examination results.The issuance of preventive suspension orders against them will be resolved after evaluation of their submitted answers.In BFP Region IV-A, two personnel were likewise charged over alleged violations of established fire safety inspection protocols.Administrative proceedings are also underway against a fire officer in BFP Region I who allegedly demanded P90,000 in exchange for facilitating a recruitment slot.Atty. Brian Mey Tomas, Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the DILG, said the charges filed so far involve cases where facts have been established and complainants have come forward.“Sa ngayon, ito pa lang ‘yung nauna dahil nabuo na ‘yung mga facts at meron tayong complainant that came forward to divulge this information. Pero sa the rest ng mga regions, we are still undertaking further investigation,” Tomas said.“The Secretary is also encouraging everyone na may information to come out dahil ‘yun din ‘yung nagiging problema dahil kulang tayo sa information na personal knowledge from the persons affected,” he added.The DILG Task Force overseeing accountability measures within the BFP has received around 40 complaints, 21 of which have already been referred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for further investigation and case buildup.The DILG said the filing of charges is part of its sustained effort to enforce accountability, uphold merit-based recruitment, and restore public trust in the BFP.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed formal administrative charges against 12 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) over alleged recruitment corruption and inspection irregularities in several regions.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed formal administrative charges against 12 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) over alleged recruitment corruption and inspection irregularities in several regions.

12 BFP officials face raps over alleged recruitment, inspection irregularities

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

12 BFP officials face raps over alleged recruitment, inspection irregularities

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 24, 2026 07:57 PM PHT

Read More:

DILG

BFP

corruption

admin cases

recruitment

slot for sale

extortion

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.