A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel was arrested in an entrapment operation over an alleged ₱500,000 “slot for sale” scheme involving the BFP Fire Officer 1 recruitment process.

BFP Region 3, in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3 and other law enforcement units, conducted the operation on August 24, 2026, following a complaint from an aspiring BFP applicant.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly offered to facilitate the applicant’s recruitment through a supposed “backer” in exchange for ₱500,000. The suspect allegedly presented a BFP identification card and claimed to have facilitated similar transactions involving applicants in other regions.

During the succeeding meeting, the joint team carried out the planned entrapment operation, resulting in the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of evidence relevant to the investigation.

BFP Region 3 reiterated that recruitment is based on merit, fitness, transparency, and equal opportunity, stressing that no one is authorized to sell or guarantee recruitment slots.

The bureau urged applicants to rely only on official recruitment announcements and procedures and report any solicitation involving money or favors.