BFP's Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) director Fire Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot (left) and CIDG AOCU chief Col. Reynaldo Lizardo (right). (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)
MANILA – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) agents arrested a firefighter in Muntinlupa City for allegedly promising officer slots in the Bureau of Fire Protection's (BFP) lateral entry program in exchange for a fee.
In a report on Wednesday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said Fire Officer 1 Ramces Paul Benipayo, 29, assigned at the Muntinlupa Fire Station, was nabbed in an entrapment in front of a mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation stemmed from the complaint of a certain Justin Ibardaloza, who claimed that she was enticed by the suspect for a "slot for officership through lateral entry" to the BFP in exchange for PHP200,000.
The CIDG and the BFP's Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) launched the entrapment which resulted in the suspect's apprehension after he received the marked money.
Seized from the suspect were his BFP ID, a mobile phone, a black belt bag and the boodle money used in the operation.
The suspect and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to CIDG-Anti Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) for proper documentation and disposition.
The suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and face a estafa complaint in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, BFP IDD director Fire Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot said more complainants have surfaced following Benipayo's arrest.
"Our suspect is the subject of many complaints. There is no official charge yet but per investigation, it showed that his lifestyle is a bit lavish. I believe there is information that he was engaged in online gambling and this is one of the things we are looking at," he added.
Meanwhile, CIDG AOCU chief Col. Reynaldo Lizardo said the suspect claimed that he has an accomplice in the scheme.
"He is mentioning somebody who is inside the BFP but there is also information that it is a retired personnel. However, the case is still under investigation and we will find out other details later on. We are encouraging other victims to come forward," Lizardo said.
Dolot, meanwhile, cautioned BFP applicants to follow the proper procedures and ditch those who promise recruitment slots in exchange for a fee. (PNA)
