Remulla vows to end organized crime inside BFP

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla (PNA photo)

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday vowed to dismantle what he described as an organized criminal network operating inside the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Remulla said restoring integrity within the BFP is non-negotiable, underscoring that public safety institutions must remain beyond the reach of organized corruption.

“There is only one organized crime group in the entire Philippines. Ayan nasa loob ng BFP. Hindi lahat ng BFP ha pero nasa loob ng BFP (It’s inside the BFP. Not the entire BFP, but within BFP),” Remulla said during a press conference in Quezon City.

He said the network is deeply entrenched in the bureau and spans multiple levels.

“I am going to put an end to this,” he said.

His statement comes on the heels of the suspension of Metro Manila safety fire inspectors (SFIs) and the earlier filing of charges against former BFP chief Jesus Fernandez over alleged graft and corruption.

Despite reforms, including the deployment of 902 body-worn cameras, Remulla revealed that violations persist, with at least 10 complaints already received against SFIs following the leadership shakeup.

He emphasized that the campaign is targeted and is not a blanket condemnation.

“Hindi lahat. May mga matitino pa rin (Not all of them, there are still good ones),” Remulla said, noting that some relieved personnel may be reinstated, while inspectors from the provinces will be deployed to Metro Manila to stabilize operations.

Fire incidents

Meanwhile, fire incidents more than doubled during the Holy Week and in the days leading up to it, the DILG said.

There were 170 fire incidents recorded from March 21 to April 5, or a 107-percent increase from the 82 recorded April 5 to 20, 2025, according to DILG data.

Remulla said the increase may have been related to the “crackdown” he implemented within the BFP.

“Part of this is my fault. Kasalanan ko ‘to. Inaamin ko. Ang aking crackdown sa BFP ay nagresulta sa delay ng procurement ng fire trucks (I admit it’s my fault. My crackdown on the BFP resulted in the delay of the procurement of fire trucks),” he said.

Remulla previously tightene BFP procurement rules after the filing of graft and corruption cases against Fernandez over an alleged kickback scheme in the purchase of ambulance units in 2024.