Iloilo: Cleansing the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of corruption is one of the priorities of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla this 2026. In a media briefing here on Wednesday, Remulla said that in his opinion, the BFP is 'one of the most corrupt organizations in the country.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla stated, "We will exert all efforts para matigil na ang corruption nila (to stop the corruption there)," highlighting issues such as the selling of fire extinguishers, contracting of sprinklers, and securing building permits for a fee. As part of the efforts to curb corruption in the BFP, the DILG has distributed 15,000 body cameras for inspectors. Once inspectors wear these cameras, they are not allowed to stop them, and all their conversations will be recorded.
Remulla also emphasized the importance of continuous police training to maintain the current record-high trust rating of 80 percent. In addition, the DILG plans to roll out a unified 911 system nationwide, which is expected to reach Iloilo in six to eight weeks.
During his visit to Iloilo, Remulla was accompanied by acting Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Melencio Nartatez Jr, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, and Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan. Their visit aimed to personally look into the investigation of the death of Due±as, Iloilo Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan.
