MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government is investigating two senior Bureau of Fire Protection officials for alleged irregularities in the procurement of fire extinguishers worth about P30 million for a condominium building, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday.
Remulla said he removed the two officials from their posts after reports linked them to the questioned transaction. He did not name the officials but said they were assigned to the BFP’s National Capital Region office and the Quezon City fire district.
Speaking in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “Politiko Talks,” Remulla said the investigation forms part of a broader effort to address corruption within the BFP.
Remulla said authorities have identified BFP personnel allegedly involved in illegal activities, including selling fire extinguishers to commercial establishments at prices higher than their original cost.
“They sell them at three times the original cost,” Remulla said.
He also said some fire safety inspectors allegedly pressure business owners to hire specific contractors for sprinkler installations in exchange for commissions.
To address these concerns, Remulla said the DILG will require fire safety inspectors to wear body-worn cameras to document their activities during inspections help ensure accountability.