BFP exec tagged in anomalous recruitment scheme

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Luzon is being investigated for allegedly demanding payment from applicants who want to work in the BFP.

The officer was implicated by a female BFP personnel, who was arrested by agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a sting in San Fernando, Pampanga on Monday.

The BFP personnel, a senior fire officer 1, was collared after she received payment from an applicant with whom she offered an employment slot.

CIDG-Central Luzon field unit chief Col. Grant Gollod said the suspect identified a BFP official as her accomplice in the scheme.

“I cannot disclose the identity of the official at this point as a case buildup is being conducted against him,” Gollod said at a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Gollod said the official is connected with the BFP’s recruitment system.

He said the CIDG would file charges of robbery-extortion as soon as it obtains sufficient proof.

The arrested BFP personnel admitted to have collected P100,000 each from four other applicants.

The CIDG has yet to confirm if these four recruits are now working for the fire bureau.

Gollod said the suspect used a dummy account on social media to contact the applicants.

BFP spokesman Superintendent Anthony Arroyo said an investigation would be conducted against the BFP official and the fire officer, who face dismissal from the service if they are found guilty.