Ligao city: A total of 162 newly absorbed Fire Officer 1 personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Bicol (BFP-5) recited and signed a covenant rejecting the slot-for-sale practice during their oathtaking ceremony in Ligao City, Albay on Tuesday. BFP-5 Regional Director Fire Chief Superintendent Junito Maslang emphasized the importance of this covenant as part of the agency's internal cleansing efforts directed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

According to Philippines News Agency, the covenant is a significant step in the ongoing investigation into prohibited recruitment practices within the organization. Remulla has instructed that investigations will continue, and any violation of the signed commitment could lead to serious consequences for the new firefighters. The recruits affirmed that they had not engaged in any form of exchange or agreement involving money, gifts, or favors for recruitment slots or positions.

The newly inducted personnel have declared their rejection of any notion that positions in the BFP can be obtained through monetary transactions or personal influence. They have pledged to protect the integrity of the recruitment process by promoting fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities for all applicants. As part of their collective commitment, the recruits stated, "walang bayad ang pagpasok sa (there is no fee to make it to) BFP Region 5."

Fire Chief Superintendent Maslang reminded the recruits that joining the BFP requires accepting a duty characterized by courage, discipline, integrity, and compassion. He highlighted that the recruits underwent a rigorous recruitment process, testing their physical, mental, and emotional readiness, marking the beginning of their responsibilities as firefighters.