By Freddie Lazaro
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officer was arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by the BFP Regional Office 1 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on Aug. 5 for allegedly demanding ₱150,000 from an applicant.
The operation was conducted following a complaint filed by the 25-year-old applicant against the suspect with the rank of Fire Officer 3 (FO3) assigned to a BFP fire station in Region 1.
The BFP Region 1 led by Fire Chief Supt. Antonio N. Razal Jr. coordinated with the Dagupan City Police Station 1 for the operation.
The complainant handed the marked money to the suspect inside a vehicle, but he fled after noticing approaching lawmen.
Police apprehended the suspect in a brief chase.
Follow-up operations are ongoing to recover the marked money discarded by the suspect during the pursuit.
The suspect who faces appropriate charges had faced administrative proceedings involving similar allegations.
The BFP said the suspect does not reflect the professionalism and integrity of the majority of BFP personnel who faithfully perform their duties.
“The BFP remains committed to ensuring that any personnel found violating the law or established policies will be dealt with in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations, while observing due process.”
The BFP reminded the public that no payment is required in any stage of their recruitment process, emphasizing that admission into the bureau is based solely on merit, qualifications, and physical and mental fitness in accordance with existing policies.
