BFP corruption probe delays delivery of fire trucks — DILG

The delivery of new fire trucks has been delayed due to an anti-corruption probe within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Monday.

At a press briefing, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged that the crackdown on irregularities within the BFP affected the procurement process.

“Part of this is my fault. Kasalanan ko ito, inaamin ko. Ang aking crackdown sa BFP ay nagresulta sa delay ng procurement ng mga fire trucks. Ngayon pa lang namin inuumpisahan iyan,” he said.

(Part of this is my fault. I admit it. My crackdown on the BFP resulted in a delay in the procurement of fire trucks. We are just starting that now.)

Remulla said the procurement of fire trucks is expected to begin this year, despite challenges and disruptions brought by ongoing reforms. 

“After getting to the bottom of it sa buong sindikato ng BFP, makakaasa kayo na ang binibiling fire trucks ay mag-uumpisa na sa taon na ito at mafu-fulfill namin ang lahat. Napakahirap ng reform agenda. Maraming tinatamaan,” he added.

(After getting to the bottom of the entire BFP syndicate, you can expect that the procurement of fire trucks will begin this year and we will fulfill everything. The reform agenda is very difficult. Many are being affected.)

Former BFP chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez was removed from his post as he and a private supplier face administrative and criminal charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged P14.752 million in kickbacks in ambulance deals.

Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu assumed the post as BFP officer-in-charge in March.

Upon taking over, Tiu ordered the relief of all fire safety inspectors (FSIs) in Metro Manila as part of broader reforms following allegations of kickbacks within the agency.

Remulla said 902 fire inspectors in Metro Manila were relieved after some personnel, despite being required to wear body cameras, were still allegedly involved in illegal activities using mobile phones.

He added that fire inspectors from the provinces will temporarily fill the vacant positions.—MCG, GMA News