A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 1 personnel was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted jointly by the BFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on August 5 over alleged involvement in an illegal recruitment scheme.

According to BFP Region 1, the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a 25-year-old applicant who alleged that a Fire Officer 3 (FO3) assigned to a fire station in the region demanded P150,000 in exchange for facilitating his entry into the Bureau.

Following the complaint, BFP Region 1 Regional Director FCSUPT Antonio N. Razal Jr. ordered the immediate coordination with the Dagupan City Police Station 1 to verify the allegation through an entrapment operation and ensure that appropriate legal action would be taken.

Authorities said the complainant handed over marked money to the suspect inside a vehicle during the operation. However, the suspect allegedly fled after noticing approaching operatives, prompting a brief pursuit.

Law enforcement officers eventually apprehended the suspect. Police are continuing follow-up investigations, including efforts to recover the marked money, which authorities believe may have been discarded during the chase.

The suspect is now under the custody of the Philippine National Police and is undergoing inquest proceedings for the filing of appropriate charges.

BFP Region 1 also disclosed that records indicate the same individual had previously faced administrative proceedings involving similar allegations.

In a statement, the regional office stressed that the incident does not reflect the integrity and professionalism of the majority of BFP personnel, whom it described as faithfully carrying out their duties with honor and dedication to public service.

The agency said it remains committed to holding accountable any personnel found to have violated the law or established policies while ensuring due process.

BFP Region 1 likewise reminded the public that no payment is required at any stage of the Bureau’s recruitment process, emphasizing that admission into the service is based solely on merit, qualifications, and physical and mental fitness under existing recruitment standards.

The Bureau urged aspiring applicants to report any individual claiming to influence or guarantee entry into the BFP in exchange for money or other favors.