BFP officer-in-charge named

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March 18, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Following the preventive suspension of Bureau of Fire Protection chief Jesus Fernandez for alleged corruption, Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu has been designated as officer-in-charge of the BFP.

Kwan Tiu will manage the BFP’s administrative affairs until the selection of a new fire chief, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said.

Before his appointment, Kwan Tiu held key posts in the bureau, such as director of the BFP’s Metro Manila field office and head of the National Fire Training Institute.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto yesterday announced Kwan Tiu’s appointment.

Remulla had asked the ombudsman to suspend Fernandez after charging him with graft, bribery, malversation of public funds and conspiracy due to a bribery scheme.

Fernandez allegedly received P14.75 million in bribe money for the procurement of 132 type 1 basic life support ambulances when he headed the BFP’s bids and awards committee.

Through an intermediary, Fernandez allegedly offered Remulla P1.5 million in kickback for each fire truck to be procured by the BFP.