DILG chief bares P30 million kickback scheme at BFP

MANILA, Philippines — Two senior officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) are under investigation for alleged irregularities in the procurement of fire extinguishers worth P30 million for a condominium building, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In an interview over Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “Politiko Talks” on Friday, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said he dismissed two BFP officials from their posts who were reportedly involved in the anomalous transaction.

He did not disclose the identities of the officials who were assigned at the BFP’s National Capital Region office and the Quezon City fire district.

Remulla earlier said the BFP is the most corrupt attached agency of the DILG, saying they have identified officials who are involved in illegal activities such as reported BFP scalawags who sell fire extinguishers to commercial establishments at exorbitant prices.

“They sell them at three times the original cost” Remulla said.

There are also BFP inspectors who would force business owners to hire a contractor for the installation of sprinklers. In return, they receive commissions.

Remulla said they will require fire safety inspectors to wear body-worn cameras so that their activities are recorded.