The Office of the Ombudsman found guilty of grave misconduct a fire inspector who was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation–Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI-CEVRO) for robbery and extortion.

NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a BFP applicant against subject Roy Sangueza Mat. Castro for alleged robbery/extortion.

According to the complaint, Castro demanded a large sum of money in exchange for the approval of her application.

The complainant asserted that she had fulfilled all the necessary requirements and was fully qualified for the position, but her application was denied, allegedly due to her lack of a “backer.”

Accordingly, Castro was averred to have demanded Php 400,000.00, explaining that the complainant was the third candidate for the Fire Safety Officer I position and that the amount being asked was a "thanksgiving money” for her inclusion in the final roster of candidates to be sworn in as Fire Safety Officers.

The demands were made through persistent phone calls and messages. As a result, on June 27, 2025, NBI-CEVRO agents conducted an entrapment operation in Cebu City, which led to the arrest of Castro.

Cases for violation of Section 3 of R.A. No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Direct Bribery under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code, and Grave Misconduct under R.A. No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas.

The arrest of Castro reaffirms the NBI’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in its operations, underscoring that the Bureau does not tolerate any form of corruption committed by government personnel.

In its resolution dated 30 June 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman found Castro administratively liable for violating Section 7 (d) of R.A. No. 6713 and for grave misconduct.

Castro was dismissed from service with perpetual disqualification from holding office, forfeiture of retirement benefits (except for accrued leave credits), cancellation of his Civil Service Eligibility, and a prohibition from taking Civil Service Examinations.