By Tracy Cabrera
WITH an initial 20 senior officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) under investigation over alleged ‘kickbacks’ perpetuated annually, Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla Jr. has recommended the dismissal of BFP chief Jesus Fernandez due to his alleged involvement in irregularities within the Bureau.
The Philippine National Police led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is investigating alleged billion-peso anomalies within the BFP, with a full report expected soon and subsequent charges set to be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Remulla described the investigation as “deep-seated” with preliminary findings indicating annual kickbacks that exceed ₱15 billion reportedly rooted to rigged bidding, overpriced fire safety equipment and forced purchases tied to fire safety inspection certificates.
Specific cases of irregularities that were uncovered in the probe include overpriced fire extinguishers linked to supplier collusion and a ₱30-million under-the-table deal in Quezon City.
Remulla cited that the CIDG is reviewing the activities of BFP officials in the past five years and as soon as it finalized its report, charges will be filed with the Ombudsman.
