Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said the Department is pursuing necessary reforms within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following the uncovering of alleged irregularities. He emphasized that the effort is focused on correcting systemic weaknesses and holding accountable those responsible, while protecting the integrity of the institution.

Remulla said the investigation aims to dismantle an alleged “organized crime syndicate” that developed over time within certain areas of the BFP, involving the recruitment process, procurement of assets, and the issuance of fire safety permits. He stressed that the reforms are intended to address long standing vulnerabilities and prevent abuse of authority.

“Naging organized crime syndicate na sa loob ng BFP ang ginawa ng iilan. Iyan ang binubuwag natin ngayon bilang bahagi ng reporma,” Remulla said.

He explained that the ongoing probe follows the same reform driven approach previously implemented in the Philippine National Police (PNP), where internal cleansing efforts focused on dismantling organized criminal elements while preserving institutional stability and professionalism.

The DILG chief said nearly 40 fire personnel, including some already retired from service, are being linked to corruption related activities that allegedly spanned several years. Once the case build up is completed, appropriate cases will be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Remulla noted that the alleged corruption is rooted in weaknesses in the BFP’s bids and awards process, particularly the limited number of suppliers involved in the procurement of fire assets over an extended period. He said these findings highlight the need to strengthen systems, processes, and safeguards to ensure transparency and fair competition.

To address these issues, Remulla vowed to reinforce and clean up the bids and awards committee as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at improving accountability in the procurement of government assets and services.

He also called on BFP personnel to support the reform process, stressing that cooperation is essential to restoring trust and strengthening the organization.

“Hindi ako galit sa inyo. Galit ako sa korapsyon,” Remulla said. “Ang tinatama natin ay iyong mga maling sistema at ang iilan na pinagsamantalahan ang kanilang posisyon.”

“I am only working for the integrity of the institution, not to besmirch anyone’s personality,” he added.

Remulla emphasized that the overwhelming majority of BFP personnel remain honest and committed public servants, noting that around 99 percent of the agency’s roughly 40,000 fire personnel are not involved in the alleged anomaly.

“These reforms are necessary to protect the institution, support our firefighters who serve with integrity, and ensure that public trust in the BFP is strengthened through accountability,” Remulla said.