The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is currently investigating one enlisted personnel allegedly involved in an investment scam instigated by his civilian partner, specifically among members of the PCG Task Force Bayanihan Returning Overseas Filipinos (BROF).

PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr has ordered Coast Guard Inspector General, Rear Admiral Christopher T Villacorte to expedite the investigation process and ensure perpetrator/s will suffer the consequences of their ‘easy money machination’.

According to PCG Spokesperson, Commodore Armando A Balilo, said enlisted personnel has been relieved from his post pending the result of the investigation, with the testimonies of six complainants as major pieces of evidence in identifying policies that were violated.

“We call on our fellow Coast Guard officers and personnel to exercise prudence and integrity in all of their actions. Admiral Ursabia remains firm on his campaign to uphold the moral standards of Coast Guard men and women by modeling the ideals of genuine PCG: patriotism, compassion, and fear of God. While we perform necessary legal measures to counter unlawful activities within the organization, we also need the cooperation of our people to shun pyramiding schemes and other illegal ventures, not only to protect themselves, but more importantly, to preserve the public image of the humanitarian armed service they are part of,” Commodore Balilo said.

In June 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte denounced ‘easy money machination’ as he ordered the immediate shutdown of a ‘domestic nonstock corporation’ over their involvement in pyramiding schemes which are prohibited under Section 26 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).