Juanito Victor C. Remulla has moved to dismantle what he described as a deeply entrenched corruption network inside the Bureau of Fire Protection, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed formal charges against 12 regional BFP officials linked to a slot-for-sale scheme and other long-running irregularities that have allegedly persisted for decades.

“For the last 20 years, ganito ang sistema sa BFP, wala lang pumapansin. Enough is enough. We have to break the culture of corruption inside the BFP,” Remulla said during a press conference Tuesday morning at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila.

According to the DILG Secretary, corruption within the BFP has evolved into an estimated P15-billion-a-year enterprise, driven by illegal recruitment practices, compromised fire safety inspections, the forced sale and refilling of fire extinguishers, and allegations that some business owners were required to pay fees before firefighting services were fully extended.

The DILG said 11 BFP officers were found administratively liable for their involvement in a slot-for-sale scheme, where applicants allegedly paid between P400,000 and P800,000 for a single position. Four of those charged are from BFP Region 8, six from Region 10, and one from Region 1. Another officer from Region 4A was implicated in irregular fire safety inspections and questionable activities involving the supply and refilling of fire extinguishers. The distribution of cases across multiple regions, the Department said, points to a systemic problem rather than isolated misconduct.

“Umpisa palang po ito. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng mga nag-apply sa BFP na lumabas at magsabi ng totoo. Ang mga bata, nag-aaply pa lang sa BFP, naghahangad ng trabaho. Umpisa pa lang korapsiyon na, kaya korapsiyon na pataas,” Remulla said.

He also clarified that accountability efforts have now reached the highest levels of leadership. He said charges will be filed and the process for selecting a new BFP Chief is now underway, with the recommendation for appointment already elevated to the Office of the President for action.

So far, the DILG has received 40 complaints related to the BFP slot-for-sale scheme. Twenty-one of these have already been referred to the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, while the remaining complaints are undergoing verification and coordination with complainants.

The DILG said the crackdown reflects a decisive shift toward accountability in public safety institutions, with more cases expected as witnesses come forward. The Department emphasized that restoring trust in the BFP will require sustained enforcement, leadership reform, and an end to practices that have long burdened the public.