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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New chief named amid corruption allegations hounding BFP

New chief named amid corruption allegations hounding BFP

Published Mar 17, 2026 11:16 am  |  Updated Mar 17, 2026 01:14 pm
Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu was designated as the officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) amid the allegation of corruption hounding the agency.
Tiu replaced Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez who was earlier charged by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for alleged bid-rigging involving the procurement of BFP ambulances.
DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla has been very vocal in criticizing Fernandez whom he said earned millions of pesos for the bid-rigging in ambulance procurement alone, the reason for the filing of the case before the Office of the Ombudsman.
Remulla said he also recommended the termination of Fernandez.
Remulla said he has not talked with the BFP chief after the latter allegedly offered him kickbacks in the purchase of fire trucks last December.
One of Fernandez’s subordinates reportedly approached a friend of Remulla and allegedly relayed that the DILG chief could receive P1.5 million in kickback for every fire truck.
When informed about the bribe offer, Remulla scolded Fernandez the next day.
Remulla said Fernandez was silent and did not offer any explanation when berated..
Likewise, Remulla ordered an investigation into several unnamed BFP officials for alleged corruption and lavish lifestyles, which includes owning properties that are not commensurate with their government salaries.
The DILG chief publicly warned against the common corrupt practices in the BFP, such as fire marshals illegally selling fire extinguishers to businesses seeking permits.
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