MANILA — Malacañang has designated Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following the filing of administrative and criminal complaints against its current chief.
In a memorandum dated March 16, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that Kwan Tiu’s designation takes effect immediately and will remain in place until a permanent replacement is appointed.
The leadership change comes after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against BFP chief Jesus Fernandez. The case stems from his alleged involvement in a PHP14.7-million bribery scheme tied to the procurement of ambulances in 2024.
According to the DILG, the supposed irregularities were uncovered during an internal investigation.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed confidence in Kwan Tiu’s ability to steer the agency during the transition, noting that a final decision on Fernandez’s successor has yet to be made.
“He’s a capable OIC. We have not yet made a final choice on who will permanently replace Fernandez,” Remulla said.
Remulla also revealed that he had previously recommended Fernandez’s removal from his post to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He stressed that corruption involving emergency response resources will not be tolerated, emphasizing that ambulances are meant to save lives and not be used for personal gain.
To ensure the integrity of the investigation, the DILG has also requested the Office of the Ombudsman to place Fernandez under preventive suspension while the case is being heard.
iamigo/xf
