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New BFP OIC Named As Ambulance Procurement Probe Continues
Photo credit: BFP
The government has designated a new officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) following the preventive suspension of its chief over a multi-million peso corruption case linked to the agency’s ambulance procurement program.
Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu has been appointed Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the BFP after the Office of the President of the Philippines issued a memorandum dated March 16, 2026.
The directive was signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, temporarily placing Kwan Tiu at the helm of the agency.
He takes over leadership duties from Fire Director Jesus Fernandez, who is currently facing administrative and criminal complaints related to the alleged irregular purchase of emergency vehicles.
Kickback allegations tied to ambulance procurement
The case against Fernandez stems from an investigation conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which accused the BFP chief of receiving around ₱14.752 million in alleged kickbacks connected to the procurement of 132 Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances intended to strengthen the agency’s emergency medical response capability.
The complaints were formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and include administrative charges such as grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Criminal charges filed include violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as direct bribery, malversation of public funds, and conspiracy.
Investigators said the alleged scheme began during the procurement process in September 2024, when bidding for the ambulance units was supposedly manipulated to favor a specific supplier. Authorities claim that the supplier later formed a joint venture with another automotive firm to meet bidding requirements and secure the contract.
According to records cited in the complaint, Fernandez—who was then serving as chairperson of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee—allegedly received ₱6 million in a suitcase and ₱4.752 million in a bag during a meeting in Quezon City in November 2024. Investigators also alleged another ₱4 million payment was made in September 2025, bringing the total alleged payoff to nearly ₱14.8 million.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla earlier said the government would pursue accountability in the case, stressing that funds meant for life-saving equipment must not be tainted by corruption.
Temporary leadership at BFP
With the case now under review by the Ombudsman and Fernandez under preventive suspension, Kwan Tiu has been tasked to temporarily lead the BFP and ensure the continuity of its operations.
The Bureau of Fire Protection, one of the key uniformed services under the DILG, is responsible for fire prevention, suppression, rescue services, and emergency medical response across the country.
The appointment of an officer-in-charge is a standard administrative measure when a sitting head of an agency faces an ongoing investigation. Officials say the move is intended to maintain stability within the organization while allowing legal proceedings to move forward without interference.
The Ombudsman is expected to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution as the investigation into the ambulance procurement deal continues.
Fire Chief Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu has been appointed Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the BFP after the Office of the President of the Philippines issued a memorandum dated March 16, 2026.
The directive was signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto, temporarily placing Kwan Tiu at the helm of the agency.
He takes over leadership duties from Fire Director Jesus Fernandez, who is currently facing administrative and criminal complaints related to the alleged irregular purchase of emergency vehicles.
Kickback allegations tied to ambulance procurement
The case against Fernandez stems from an investigation conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which accused the BFP chief of receiving around ₱14.752 million in alleged kickbacks connected to the procurement of 132 Type 1 Basic Life Support ambulances intended to strengthen the agency’s emergency medical response capability.
The complaints were formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and include administrative charges such as grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Criminal charges filed include violation of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as direct bribery, malversation of public funds, and conspiracy.
Investigators said the alleged scheme began during the procurement process in September 2024, when bidding for the ambulance units was supposedly manipulated to favor a specific supplier. Authorities claim that the supplier later formed a joint venture with another automotive firm to meet bidding requirements and secure the contract.
According to records cited in the complaint, Fernandez—who was then serving as chairperson of the BFP Bids and Awards Committee—allegedly received ₱6 million in a suitcase and ₱4.752 million in a bag during a meeting in Quezon City in November 2024. Investigators also alleged another ₱4 million payment was made in September 2025, bringing the total alleged payoff to nearly ₱14.8 million.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla earlier said the government would pursue accountability in the case, stressing that funds meant for life-saving equipment must not be tainted by corruption.
Temporary leadership at BFP
With the case now under review by the Ombudsman and Fernandez under preventive suspension, Kwan Tiu has been tasked to temporarily lead the BFP and ensure the continuity of its operations.
The Bureau of Fire Protection, one of the key uniformed services under the DILG, is responsible for fire prevention, suppression, rescue services, and emergency medical response across the country.
The appointment of an officer-in-charge is a standard administrative measure when a sitting head of an agency faces an ongoing investigation. Officials say the move is intended to maintain stability within the organization while allowing legal proceedings to move forward without interference.
The Ombudsman is expected to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution as the investigation into the ambulance procurement deal continues.
Mar 17, 2026
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