The investigation into alleged payments for positions in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has expanded to more than 200 personnel, with all regional directors now among those being scrutinized, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
The inquiry covers suspected “slots for sale” and other racketeering activities involving recruitment and promotion within the fire bureau, as authorities move to determine the extent of the alleged scheme.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla warned BFP officials who may be involved to cooperate with investigators or face possible administrative and criminal consequences.
“Binabalaan ko na ang lahat ng opisyal ng BFP: Lumabas na kayo ngayon at umamin kayo or hahabulin namin kayo hanggang matapos ang career niyo,” Remulla said.
He said personnel found to have links to the scheme would be relieved from their positions.
“Kung sa pinapanganak ka pa lang sa institusyon ay korapsyon, korapsyon ka na habang buhay. So, we’ll clean it up. This will be a massive purge,” he said.
Remulla said the BFP and the Philippine National Police have yet to establish the final number of cases involving the alleged sale of recruitment slots.
The investigation followed a police operation in Pampanga in which a Senior Fire Officer 1 assigned to BFP National Capital Region was arrested.
The officer allegedly sought P500,000 from an applicant in exchange for helping secure a BFP position in Central Luzon.
BFP officer in charge Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu said the personnel involved in the Pampanga case had been relieved and is facing dismissal proceedings.
Kwan Tiu also disclosed the arrest of another Senior Fire Officer 1 in the Ilocos Region who had recently been dismissed by the BFP. He did not provide additional details about the case.
Remulla said the government would pursue the investigation as part of efforts to remove alleged corruption in the BFP’s recruitment and promotion processes.
Photo courtesy of PhilStar
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