San fernando city: An active personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was arrested for allegedly asking PHP500,000 from an applicant for an assured slot with the BFP, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation stemmed from a report about an alleged 'slots for sale' scheme involving BFP recruitment. CIDG Regional Office 3 Chief, Col. Grant Gollod, stated in a press briefing held in Camp Crame that the female suspect was arrested in an entrapment operation at a parking space in Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga on August 24.
The victim was targeted after the suspect discovered the applicant's name on a BFP Facebook post, leading her to suggest contacting him using a dummy account. "Once the applicants were on the BFP FB page, she would randomly contact them using his dummy account. So when someone responded, the transaction would begin," Gollod explained.
The victim initially filed a complaint with the BFP in Zambales, which was promptly forwarded to the CIDG office, leading to the entrapment operation. During the investigation, it was found that the suspect has accomplices who are currently under investigation by the CIDG. The suspect will face robbery and extortion charges in relation to Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, while her accomplices are being investigated and may also face similar charges.
Meanwhile, BFP spokesperson F/Supt. Anthony Arroyo mentioned in an interview that the BFP is hiring only 2,504 new personnel nationwide this year, while more than 20,000 applicants have already expressed interest. He warned applicants against fixers and individuals claiming they can guarantee entry into the agency. The BFP has introduced an e-Hire recruitment system, allowing applicants to submit applications online and track their status in real time, aiming to reduce financial burdens and minimize opportunities for favoritism and corruption.
In another development, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered an immediate investigation into the reported harassment of two female criminology interns by two police officers during their internship at a police station in Cagayan de Oro City. The officers involved were disarmed and placed under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office. Nartatez emphasized that the investigation will be conducted fairly and promptly, with appropriate charges pursued if the allegations are substantiated. The alleged incident occurred on August 8 at Police Station 7 and involved two 21-year-old female criminology interns. Nartatez has directed PRO-10 and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office to expedite the investigation and submit a full report.
