BATAAN- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cautioned the public against illegal “recruiters” of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) or the civilian volunteer arm of the PCG.
This is based on the report received by the PCG in December 2022 regarding an alleged group that introduced itself as the “101st Village of the PCGA” to recruit members in the municipalities of Hermosa, Abucay, and Morong in the province of Bataan .
According to the PCG post on their official social media account, the use of the logo and names of officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), PCG, and PCGA in group activities is also not authorized.
It was found out in the victims’ report that apart from the Php 15,000 they paid each, they were even resigned from their jobs and given responsibility as security personnel and promised a Php 30,000 monthly allowance.
During the investigation, the PCG Station Bataan learned that up to 480 residents have been victimized by such a group in Barangay Mabayo, Morong, Bataan, most of whom indigents.
Aside from pretending to be an official branch of the PCG Auxiliary, the group also promised to conduct a livelihood program for its members. They will also provide a large fishing boat for the recruits in Barangay Mabayo.
According to the victims, they were not asked for Php 15,000 like recruits in other barangays, but each of them spent up to Php 20,000 to join the group, which caused others to sell them equipment and pets. .
The PCG is already studying the filing of a case against the suspects behind the said group.
The PCG further calls on the public to report to the nearest Coast Guard District, Station, or Sub-Station anyone who identifies as a member of the PCG or PCGA in exchange for any amount to be part of the service.
They also encouraged the public to avoid falling victim to such incidents, to focus on the PCG’s official Facebook page where announcements are made regarding nationwide recruitment. Those who want to become a PCGA volunteer can also contact the nearest Coast Guard unit in their area. As a civilian volunteer arm, PCGA members receive no salary or allowance, it is made up of individuals who assist the PCG in carrying out its mandates, with no expectation of compensation.