40 active, retired BFP personnel to face graft raps
MANILA, Philippines — Over 40 active and retired officers of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will face criminal charges for their alleged involvement in corruption, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced yesterday.
Remulla earlier said BFP chief Jesus Fernandez and 19 other fire officials would face complaints for bid rigging, kickbacks and other forms of corruption.
However, Remulla said a probe into the BFP’s bidding processes over the past 20 years showed collusion among officials.
“Aabot siguro hanggang 40, including retired BFP officers,” Remulla told reporters.
He said he expects the cases to be filed before the ombudsman next week.
Remulla said there is an organized crime ring in the BFP, earning about P15 billion per year from illegal activities.
After ordering the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during fire safety inspections, Remulla said they are no longer receiving complaints from business owners.
He said the BFP usually receives an average of 10 complaints against fire safety inspectors who forced commercial buildings and businesses to purchase overpriced fire extinguishers.
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