07/08/2026
BFP, PNP apprehend Fire Officer in an Illegal Recruitment Entrapment
The Bureau of Fire Protection, in a joint effort with the Philippine National Police (PNP), apprehended a BFP personnel allegedly involved in the illegal recruitment scam during an entrapment operation on Wednesday, August 5, in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
The 36-year old suspect, holding the position of Fire Officer 3 (FO3), is currently assigned at one of the the fire stations in Region 1.
The operation stemmed when the 25-year old victim reported to PNP Dagupan City. The suspect allegedly demanded an amount of ₱150,000.00 in exchange for securing employment in the BFP. Acting quickly, the BFP Region 1 headed by Regional Director FCSUPT Antonio N Razal Jr, and Police Station 1, set up the entrapment operation.
During the operation, the victim handed the marked money inside a vehicle. The suspect noticed the approaching police and sped away and was eventually cornered. Investigators are still trying to locate the marked money, which may have been discarded during the pursuit.
The suspect is currently in PNP custody and faces inquest proceedings. He was previously suspended in a separate administrative case for a similar offense. In the past incident, he returned the money which prevented a formal entrapment at that time.
In a statement, BFP Officer-in-Charge FCSUPT Wilberto Rico Neil A Kwan Tiu said that the BFP remains committed to a strict and fair hiring process. “We do not tolerate corruption in our ranks. We are closely working with the police to ensure anyone exploiting applicants will face the law. We will hold our personnel accountable for their actions.” FCSUPT Kwan Tiu said.
The BFP, through the “OPLAN SANTINDIG,” conducts an anti-extortion campaign on recruitment, promotions and transfers to ensure integrity within its ranks. Applicants are reminded that payment is not required to gain entry in the BFP, and application is strictly based on merit and fitness. The public is encouraged to report any recruitment irregularities.
