By Trend News Line 2024-06-28 08:45:41.
A fire inspector from the Cebu City Fire Station has been arrested by NBI-7 agents for allegedly demanding P400,000 from an applicant with the promise of guaranteed acceptance.
### Fire Inspector Arrested for Extortion
In a shocking turn of events, Fire Inspector Roy Mat Castro, the chief of the CCFS Fire Safety Enforcement Section, was apprehended by NBI-7 agents in an entrapment operation on Thursday afternoon. The suspect allegedly solicited money from a female applicant in exchange for ensuring her acceptance into the agency.
### Victim Seeks Help from NBI-7
The victim, who applied to be a Fire Safety Officer 1, was asked by Castro to pay P400,000 to guarantee her passing of the recruitment process. After passing all the required exams and deliberations, the victim received a message from Castro demanding the payment. Feeling trapped, the victim sought help from the NBI-7.
### How Castro Was Caught
NBI-7 agents set up a meet-up with Castro at a restaurant in Cebu City, where he accepted an envelope containing the initial payment of P200,000. The suspect was caught on CCTV accepting the money and was subsequently detained by law enforcers. Charges of grave misconduct, direct bribery, and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were filed against Castro.
### Possibility of Cohort Within the Agency
Despite Castro’s admission that he had no power to influence the application process, NBI-7 agents suspect the existence of another cohort within the agency. They are investigating whether Castro had solicited money from other victims in the past. With strong evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements, the case against Castro is considered airtight.
### Ongoing Investigation
Following Castro’s arrest, NBI-7 director Lawyer Renan Augustus Oliva announced that they had received reports of other allegations involving personnel within the agency. The investigation is ongoing, and Oliva urged the public to come forward with any information about similar experiences. The NBI-7 is committed to holding perpetrators of extortion and bribery in the agency accountable.
### Final Words
The arrest of Fire Inspector Roy Mat Castro highlights the importance of upholding integrity and honesty within government agencies. The NBI-7’s swift action in apprehending the suspect sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated. As the investigation continues, the public is encouraged to report any instances of extortion or bribery to ensure accountability and transparency in public service..
Cebu City fire inspector nabbed soliciting money from applicant
Cebu City fire inspector soliciting money from applicant nabbed.