Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday drew a hard line against corruption within the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), vowing to dismantle what he described as an organized criminal network operating inside the agency.

“I’m going to put an end to this! Tigil na ‘yan!” Remulla declared during a press conference at the BFP national headquarters.

The DILG Chief pointed to a deeply entrenched system spanning multiple levels within the Bureau. “From admission, to inspector, to firefighting, to procurement, iisa ang toka. Lahat ‘yan alam kung ano ang ginagawa,” he said, describing what he believes to be coordinated and systemic wrongdoing.

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 graft and corruption.

“Kinasuhan ko na ang chief ng Fire, pero yung mga fire inspectors, ayaw pa ring tumigil. Sawang-sawa na ako sa kanila. They are out!” Remulla said, stressing that enforcement will not stop at leadership level.

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 shake-up.

He emphasized that the campaign is targeted, not a blanket condemnation. “Hindi lahat. May mga matitino pa rin,” he said, noting that some relieved personnel may be reinstated, while inspectors from the provinces will be deployed to Metro Manila to stabilize operations.

Remulla also acknowledged that intensified internal cleansing has temporarily affected procurement timelines, particularly for fire equipment. “Inaangkin ko po ang kakulangan sa mga fire equipment, pero ‘yan ay ginawa ko lang dahil sumobra na ang korapsyon sa BFP,” he said, assuring that firetruck deliveries will begin within the year.

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