SILANG, Cavite — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is preparing administrative charges against the entire local unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Silang, Cavite over alleged money-making schemes targeting small business owners.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed that the latest reported victim was his own nephew, who allegedly experienced the questionable practices of the Silang BFP while applying for business permits, particularly in securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC) for a convenience store.
According to Remulla, his nephew paid the required fire inspection fee last year, but no inspection was conducted and the FSIC was never issued. When he applied for business renewal in January this year, he was asked to present the FSIC. After explaining that payment had already been made despite the lack of inspection, he was instead instructed to comply with additional requirements, including refilling his fire extinguishers.
The nephew reportedly paid ₱2,400 for the refill at a facility recommended by fire personnel. However, the BFP later declared the extinguishers non-compliant—allegedly to pressure him into purchasing new ones.
“So do you see the pattern? Here in the BFP, they will take advantage of you as long as they see any opportunity to do it. It is the businessmen, particularly the small businessmen, who suffer,” Remulla said.
He added that he has already ordered the filing of administrative cases against the entire Silang BFP unit, including its fire chief.
Remulla previously exposed similar alleged extortion schemes within the BFP last year, prompting the agency to require fire inspectors to wear body cameras during inspections to prevent irregularities.
However, he revealed that some BFP personnel have reportedly developed a new modus to bypass the policy.
“What they do now is they sell the fire extinguishers before the inspection. They reversed the policy. Instead of conducting the fire inspection first, they sell the fire extinguishers,” Remulla said.
“They tell business owners that the fire inspectors are coming, so they have to buy the extinguishers and they will make sure they pass the inspection. That’s the modus now,” he added.
Remulla said the scheme was uncovered through ongoing assessments and intelligence-gathering operations conducted by the department.
The DILG reiterated its commitment to cleanse the BFP of corrupt practices and warned that personnel found guilty of extortion and abuse of authority will face serious administrative and criminal sanctions. ##
News Source: MANILA BULLETIN
