Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos vowed on Wednesday, July 6, to rid the department and its attached agency with rogue personnel after receiving complaints of the promotion for a fee scam at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
He was reacting to the reports that a BFP personnel with the rank of Fire Officer 1 was nabbed after collecting fees with the promise of promotion for the personnels.
“I'll give you my own personal number kung kinakailangan at (if needed and) you call here. Sabihin niyo lang (Just tell me), I will make it very confidential,’’ Abalos said.
Abalos said the fight against corruption in the institutions covered by the DILG is a major priority to enhance the public’s trust in the government.
He urged the public to come out in the open and air their grievances if they have any ‘knowledge’ of any anomalous activities concerning the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), BFP and the DILG’s attached agencies.
However, Abalos noted that complaints will be subjected to extensive investigation to determine their veracity.
Meanwhile, Abalos stated that there is a program for rebel returnees integrated in the PNP saying that the DILG is in the midst of crafting the guidelines for the purpose.
"Huwag kayo mag alala dito (Don’t worry about it. This is in accordance with the law. Ito ay pakikiisa natin sa programa sa ating Bangsamoro (This is part of supporting the bangsamoro program),’’ he added.