INTERIOR and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla has launched an aggressive campaign to eradicate organized crime within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), unequivocally vowing to dismantle what he termed a deeply entrenched criminal network operating across multiple levels of the agency.
During a press conference held at the BFP national headquarters, Remulla declared with firm resolve, “I’m going to put an end to this! Tigil na ‘yan!” signaling a no-tolerance approach to corruption.
Secretary Remulla detailed a pervasive system of coordinated wrongdoing, stating, “From admission, to inspector, to firefighting, to procurement, iisa ang toka. Lahat ‘yan alam kung ano ang ginagawa.”
This declaration follows recent actions, including the suspension of Metro Manila safety fire inspectors (SFIs) and the filing of graft and corruption charges against former BFP Chief Jesus Fernandez. Remulla expressed his frustration, noting that despite previous actions, violations continue, with at least 10 new complaints lodged against SFIs shortly after a leadership shake-up and the deployment of 902 body-worn cameras.
While emphasizing that the crackdown is targeted and not a blanket condemnation of the entire BFP, Remulla acknowledged that the intensified internal cleansing has temporarily impacted procurement timelines for essential fire equipment.
He took responsibility for the current shortages, explaining that these were a necessary consequence of addressing excessive corruption within the Bureau, and assured that firetruck deliveries are slated to commence within the year. The DILG Chief stressed that restoring integrity to the BFP is paramount, asserting that public safety institutions must be shielded from the reach of organized corruption.
