Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has warned the public against scammers posing as recruiters from the agency’s civilian volunteer arm after victims reported losing thousands of pesos to the scheme.
According to PCG, it received reports in December 2022 that a group presented themselves as “101st Balangay ng PCGA” (PCG Auxiliary) to recruit members from Bataan, particularly in Hermosa, Abucay, and Morong.
“Sa pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon, napag-alaman ng PCG Station Bataan na umabot na sa 480 residente ang nabiktima ng naturang grupo sa Barangay Mabayo, Morong, Bataan,” the agency said on Monday.
[Translation: In the course of the investigation, PCG Station Bataan learned that 480 residents were victimized by the group in Barangay Mabayo, Morong, Bataan.]
The victims said that aside from paying the ₱15,000 recruitment fee, they were asked to resign from their jobs to serve as “security personnel.” Some victims even spent at least ₱20,000 each and sold some of their belongings, including their pets.
Most of the victims were indigent, the PCG noted.
The fake recruiters promised to give ₱30,000 allowance per month to each victim and to implement livelihood programs, including giving fishing boats to some victims from Barangay Mabayo.
But the PCG said the PCGA members, as a civilian volunteer arm tasked to assist the agency in carrying out its plans and programs, do not receive salary and allowance.
The scammers also used the official logos of the Department of Transportation, the PCG, and the PCGA for programs they reportedly hosted in Bataan, the PCG added.
The agency said it will file complaints against the fake recruiters. It also urged the public to report anyone presenting themselves as members of the PCG or the PCGA and asking for fees in exchange for services.
The PCG advised those who want to join the PCGA to coordinate with its nearest office.
