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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Parang mafia': Remulla wants to bust organized crime group inside BFP

'Parang mafia': Remulla wants to bust organized crime group inside BFP

Published Apr 6, 2026 03:59 pm
The alleged multiple levels of corruption inside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) may eventually be put to a screeching halt with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowing to dismantle what it described as an organized criminal network in the bureau.
In a press briefing, a furious DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla guaranteed to put an end to all the BFP corruption activities which is immensely up-rooted from top to bottom.
Remulla said that unimaginable dishonest and unscrupulous acts are well coordinated and systematic with unprincipled BFP men dipping their hands in unlawful acts in the admission, inspection, firefighting and procurement process.
His statement comes on the heels of the suspension of Metro Manila safety fire inspectors (SFIs) and the earlier filing of charges against former BFP Chief Jesus Fernandez over graft and corruption.
Even if charges were already filed against Fernandez, Remulla remained furious with the continued lawless and corrupt acts of the fire inspectors prompting him to fire them.
Despite reforms, including the deployment of 902 body-worn cameras, Remulla revealed that violations persist, with at least 10 complaints already received against SFIs following the leadership shake-up.
The DILG emphasized that the anti-corruption campaign in the BFP is targeted, not a blanket condemnation.
“Hindi lahat (are corrupt). May mga matitino (BFP personnel) pa rin (Not everyone. There are still honest BFP personnel),’’ Remulla explained.
He noted that some relieved personnel may be reinstated, while inspectors from the provinces will be deployed to Metro Manila to stabilize operations.
Remulla also acknowledged that intensified internal cleansing has temporarily affected procurement timelines, particularly for fire equipment.
“Inaangkin ko po ang kakulangan sa mga fire equipment. pero ‘yan ay ginawa ko lang dahil sumobra na ang korapsyon sa BFP (I admit that the lack of fire equipment is on me. But I was forced to do it due to the widespread corruption in the BFP),’’ Remulla noted.
However, Remulla assured that fire truck deliveries will begin within the year.
The DILG chief said anew that restoring integrity within the BFP is non-negotiable, underscoring that public safety institutions must remain beyond the reach of organized corruption.
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