INTERIOR Secretary Benhur Abalos called for an in-depth investigation on an apparent scheme involving fees being paid in exchange for officer slots in the Bureau of Fire Protection’s (BFP) lateral entry program.
The chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), who exercises supervision over the BFP, issued the statement following the arrest of Fire Officer 1 Ramces Paul Benipayo in an entrapment operation.
“We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity. That’s why I’ve already ordered the PNP (Philippine National Police) to work closely with the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) to get to the bottom of this issue and prosecute everyone involved,” Abalos said.
“Walang puwang sa gobyerno natin at sa DILG or sa BFP for that matter ang mga katulad niya (There is no place for people like him in the DILG and in our government),” he added.
Benipayo was arrested in an entrapment in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday afternoon by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the BFP’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID).
Investigation showed that the suspect was asking potential victims for cash in exchange for promotions facilitated by his contacts in the BFP.
At least three complainants have reported getting such offers from the suspect, according to the DILG.
Benipayo is facing both criminal and administrative charges, including graft and corruption and estafa.
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