Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday announced the filing of formal administrative charges against 12 officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection in connection with alleged recruitment corruption and inspection irregularities, signaling an intensified crackdown on misconduct within the agency.

In a press briefing at the Quezon City Reception House, Remulla said four former senior officials of BFP Region VIII were charged for their alleged involvement in a “slot-for-sale scheme” during the 2025 Fire Officer 1 recruitment.

He said applicants were reportedly required to pay between P400,000 and P800,000 in exchange for guaranteed inclusion in the final list. The four respondents have been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension to prevent interference and protect the integrity of the proceedings.

“We are showing a conclusive proof, na ang applicant ay kailangang magbayad,” Remulla said, referring to a video presentation by Atty. Brian May Tomas of the department’s legal section. The video allegedly showed message exchanges between an applicant who filed a complaint and BFP officials who purportedly asked him to shell out a large sum of money in exchange for a recruitment slot.

Remulla said six other officials from BFP Region X were also formally charged for recruitment irregularities, including the approval of applicants without the required medical, physical and dental clearances and the failure to properly release examination results. He added that the issuance of preventive suspension orders would be resolved after evaluation of the officials’ submitted answers.

In BFP Region IV-A, two personnel were charged over alleged irregularities in fire safety inspection practices involving violations of established inspection protocols.

Meanwhile, administrative proceedings are underway against a fire officer in BFP Region I for allegedly demanding P90,000 in exchange for facilitating a recruitment slot. A formal charge and an order of preventive suspension for 90 days have been issued.

To date, Remulla said the DILG Task Force overseeing accountability measures within the BFP has received around 40 complaints, 21 of which have been referred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for investigation and case buildup.

The DILG reiterated that the actions form part of a sustained effort to enforce accountability, uphold merit-based recruitment and restore public trust in the BFP.

Remulla also announced that BFP national head Fire Director Jesus Fernandez would be charged in connection with the anomalies. He said a replacement would be named after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reviews and approves his recommendation.