BFP denies ‘padrino’ system in transferring personnel

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has denied the existence of a “padrino” (patronage) system to transfer personnel.

BFP spokesperson FSSupt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said this in a press conference on Friday in response to a news report alleging firemen were paying between P300,000 and P500,000 to secure a fire marshal position.

“The bureau finds the allegations and states that such placement of personnel with a ‘padrino’ or fee or with a corresponding amount is untrue or baseless,” Carbajal-Atienza said.

“[A]ny movement of personnel is done in the best interest of the service and with a duly-issued Comelec exemption for transfer or movement of personnel,” she added.

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The earlier news report stemmed from the supposed reassignment of Quezon City Fire Marshal SSupt. Flor-Ian Guerrero to the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela Cities) Fire District last April./mcm