DILG to File Charges Against Sacked Metro Manila Fire Inspectors Over Systemic Graft Practices

Secretary Jonvic Remulla announces charges for sacked NCR fire inspectors involved in extortion and illegal practices during a major BFP graft sweep.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from INQUIRER.net

Decisive Crackdown on Fire Safety Extortion

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has initiated a sweeping purge of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following allegations of widespread corruption within the National Capital Region's inspection ranks. Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that while 902 inspectors were recently relieved of their duties, a specific subset will now face formal criminal charges for "shady practices." According to Remulla, the illicit activities persisted despite previous attempts to modernize oversight through the use of body cameras. The Secretary noted that corrupt officials simply bypassed these digital safeguards by conducting illegal transactions via telephone before or after their official site visits.

Historical Context of Institutional Misconduct

The current disciplinary action is the latest in a series of high profile scandals that have rocked the BFP leadership over the past two years. The mass relief of inspectors follows the suspension of former BFP Chief Fire Director Jesus Fernandez, who was charged with allegedly receiving 14 million pesos in kickbacks related to a 2024 ambulance procurement deal. Furthermore, the DILG is already in the process of filing charges against 45 other current and former officials over irregularities in fire truck acquisitions. Remulla emphasized that these systemic failures have reached an inflection point, necessitating a complete replacement of the "old" institutional culture with a cleaner operational framework.

Mechanics of Illegal Inspection Practices

Investigators have uncovered a variety of methods used by inspectors to exploit business owners and applicants. Common reported offenses include coercing entrepreneurs to purchase fire extinguishers from specific, linked suppliers and charging unauthorized fees for firefighting services that should be part of standard public safety. Additionally, the probe revealed instances of extortion directed at individuals seeking employment within the bureau. Remulla stated that while he cannot prove every individual crime committed by the nearly thousand sacked personnel, the mass removal serves to create a "moral hazard" that discourages others from continuing such practices.