DILG files charges vs 12 BFP officials in 'slot-for-sale' scheme
By Chito Chavez
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed administrative charges against 12 former and active officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for their alleged involvement in the illegal recruitment and inspection irregularities.
In a statement, the DILG said those charged include pBFP personnel in Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Calabrzon.
The DILG noted that in BFP Region VIII, four former senior officials were charged for their alleged involvement in a slot-for-sale scheme during the 2025 Fire Officer 1 recruitment.
Reports disclosed that the applicants were allegedly required to pay between P400,000 to P800,000 in exchange for guaranteed inclusion in the final recruitment list.
“All four respondents have been placed under ninety-day preventive suspension to prevent interference and protect the integrity of the proceedings,’’ the BFP said.
Likewise, the DILG noted that six BFP Region X officials have also been formally charged for recruitment irregularities, including the approval of applicants without required medical, physical and dental clearances and the failure to properly release examination results.
“The issuance of preventive suspension orders will be resolved upon evaluation of their submitted answers,’’ the DILG added.
In BFP Region IV-A, the DILG said that two personnel were charged for alleged irregularities in fire safety inspection practices, involving violations of established inspection protocols.
The DILG also pointed out that administrative proceedings are underway against a BFP Region 1 fire officer for allegedly demanding p90,000 in exchange for facilitating a recruitment slot.
“A formal charge has been issued along with an order of preventive suspension for 90 days,’’ the DILG said.
Currently, the DILG Task Force overseeing accountability measures within the Bureau of Fire Protection has received approximately 40 complaints, 21 of which have already been referred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for investigation and case buildup.
The DILG reiterated that these actions form part of a sustained effort to enforce accountability, uphold merit-based recruitment, and restore public trust in the BFP.