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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos orders probe on alleged BFP 'promotion for sale scam'

Abalos orders probe on alleged BFP 'promotion for sale scam'

Published Oct 27, 2023 03:06 am
abalos.jpg
DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. (File photo)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. directed an intense and "deeper probe" on the alleged involvement of an active Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel in the lateral promotion for sale scam" in the bureau.

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the DILG noted that undercover operatives nabbed Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Ramces Paul Benipayo of the Muntinlupa Fire Station in an entrapment operation shortly after receiving P200,000 from his alleged victim.

"Policemen arrested Benipayo after accepting P200,000 in marked money from his classmate, a BFP firefighter from Western Visayas, whom he promised to assist in getting a promotion within the bureau in exchange for money," the DILG said.

The DILG received reports that Benipayo’s modus was to convince his would-be victims to give him money in exchange for non-existent promotion in the BFP which will allegedly be facilitated by his "contacts" in the bureau.

“I have been briefed on the case of FO1 Benipayo and I could say that what he did was unacceptable,” Abalos said.

Abalos also ordered the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the case and background of Benipayo to determine if he has cohorts at the BFP who could be working with him.

He issued the instruction after BFP intelligence and investigation division director Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot reported that three more complainants came forward and accused the suspect of also duping them using the same modus operandi.

“We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity. That’s why I’ve already ordered the PNP to work closely with the BFP to get to the bottom of this issue and prosecute everyone involved,” Abalos assured.

“Walang puwang sa gobyerno natin at sa DILG or sa BFP for that matter ang mga katulad niya (There is no place for him in the government and at the DILG or BFP for that matter and other people like him)," Abalos asserted.

The DILG disclosed that Benipayo now faces an administrative case for dismissal from the BFP and is currently under preventive suspension pending the investigation.

Benipayo, who is currently detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) detention facility, also faces criminal charges before the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office, specifically complaints for violating Republic Act (RA) 3019 otherwise known as "The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act" and estafa in relation to RA 10175 or "The Cybercrime Prevention Law."

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