Graft raps filed vs Cebu fire officer

MANILA, Philippines —  Criminal complaints have been filed against an officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Cebu City for alleged involvement in graft and corruption activities. 

Fire Inspector Roy Mat Castro was charged with violation of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as of RA 6173, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Castro was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after he allegedly asked P400,000 from an applicant.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said Castro told the applicant that the money was for “pasasalamat to the higher-ups” for the approval of his application for fire safety officer.

A team of NBI agents conducted a sting in a restaurant, where Castro reportedly received the P200,000 in marked money from the applicant.

Castro was brought to the NBI-Central Visayas office for investigation.