A female member of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was arrested in an entrapment operation on Monday night, August 24, after allegedly extorting money from an applicant in exchange for guaranteed entry into the fire bureau.
Joint law enforcement elements, including the CIDG Zambales and Pampanga Provincial Field Units, Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) PRO 3, San Fernando City Police and the BFP Region 3, nabbed the active fire officer at around 7:15 PM in the parking area of a fast-food chain in Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert AA Morico II, the operation stemmed from a report by an aspiring recruit who was targeted in a “Slots for Sale” scheme.
The victim-complainant revealed that the suspect initially used a dummy Facebook Messenger account to negotiate, promising guaranteed entry into the BFP for P500,000. During a face-to-face meeting, the suspect showed her official BFP identification card to gain the applicant’s trust and boasted that she had successfully facilitated similar transactions for applicants in other provinces, including Laguna.
The suspect initially demanded the full P500,000 payment on August 24. However, after the complainant negotiated an initial downpayment of P300,000, authorities promptly organized a sting operation. Operatives caught the suspect red-handed as she accepted the marked money from the victim.
The CIDG leadership commended the joint efforts of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, led by PCol. Grant A. Gollod, CIDG Zambales PFU under PMaj. Jan Michael F. Jardin, CIDG Pampanga PFU under PLt. Col. Marlon M. Cudal, Police Regional Office 3 and BFP Region 3.
Authorities emphasized that the operation underlines the government’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption and rogue personnel. The CIDG advised the public to remain vigilant and immediately report individuals soliciting money or favors in exchange for recruitment assistance or guaranteed appointments in government service.