MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang named on Tuesday an officer-in-charge for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to replace the incumbent who was suspended due to alleged corruption.
Fire Chief Supt. Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu replaced Director Jesus Fernandez, who was placed under preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman following complaints filed against him by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for alleged corruption.
“Confirmed,” Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said in a text message to reporters after Tiu’s appointment paper, signed on March 16, 2026, was released.
The complaint against Fernandez stemmed from the P14.7 million kickback he supposedly received in connection with the procurement of 132 ambulances for the BFP.
