BFP sacks Metro fire safety inspectors in antigraft drive
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has relieved all fire safety inspectors (FSIs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) in line with an ongoing crackdown on corruption within the agency.
“This move aims to set a new standard for transparency before expanding the program to other regions,” the BFP said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Many FSIs are honest and dedicated. However, the total relief is necessary to address systemic anomalies and will ensure a fresh start,” it added.
The bureau did not identify or say how many of the fire safety inspectors were affected by its order.
According to the BFP, the affected FSIs will be replaced by qualified bureau personnel who have not yet served as inspectors.
If no personnel can be tapped from its NCR office, the BFP will designate inspectors assigned to other regional offices, it said.
Transparent process
“This move ensures due process in the inspection system and aims to create a more transparent process. The BFP remains committed to public safety through strict and fair fire code enforcement,” the bureau added.
The move comes nearly two weeks after BFP chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez was suspended from his post. Last month, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed administrative and criminal complaints against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The administrative charges against Fernandez range from grave misconduct, serious dishonesty to conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Criminal complaints, on the other hand, include violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, direct bribery, malversation of public funds and conspiracy.
The cases were based on the findings of DILG investigators that Fernandez allegedly received P14.752 million in kickbacks from the procurement of ambulances in 2024 as chair of the BFP’s bids and awards committee.
Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu was appointed as BFP officer-in-charge.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, whose department supervises the BFP, previously flagged alleged questionable practices by FSIs. These included forcing business owners to purchase fire extinguishers from suppliers linked to fire inspectors, charging fees for full firefighting services and extorting money from applicants seeking to join the BFP.
