

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has expressed full support for Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s recent pronouncements on alleged corruption within the agency, describing them as a direct call to confront long-standing issues in its ranks.
In a statement, the BFP said the corruption allegations raised by the DILG chief go beyond figures, calling them a betrayal of public trust and a misuse of public funds meant to ensure public safety.
"The Bureau of Fire Protection acknowledges the DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s pronouncements in his recent interviews. The bureau views them as a direct order to face the hard truths about our organization," the agency said.
"The corruption allegations mentioned by the Secretary are not just numbers. They represent betrayal of public trust and waste of taxpayer money intended for public safety," it added.
The agency assured the public that corrective measures are already being implemented, including administrative relief, the suspension of certain inspection activities, and institutional reforms aimed at dismantling systems that enable extortion and other corrupt practices.
While committing to a thorough internal cleansing, the BFP emphasized its solidarity with firefighters who continue to risk their lives in the line of duty. The bureau said rooting out corruption is a difficult but necessary step to restore integrity within the organization and strengthen public confidence.
The BFP expressed confidence that these interventions will lead to a stronger, more transparent, and more credible fire service.
In an earlier interview with DZRH News, Remulla alleged that the agency collects as much as ₱15 billion a year from businesses across the Philippines. He further alleged that the BFP exploits business owners by imposing inflated fees for fire safety compliance, often requiring them to purchase specific equipment from designated suppliers.
Moreover, the agency allegedly requires applicants who wish to join the fire department to pay ₱500,000.
Remulla said he will recommend the filing of criminal charges against at least 20 high-ranking officials of the BFP.
