The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has filed a complaint in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against a “bogus” PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) balangay – 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. – and its incorporators on 17 January 2023.

Investigation revealed that 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. registered with the SEC without the PCG's authority on 04 August 2022. 

The incorporators who caused the unauthorized registration were:

1) Martin Diño

2) Renante Nase

3) Agustin Soria, Jr

4) Laurence Nase

5) Reniel Nase

6) Jerry Delos Santos, and

7) Christine Lingat

PCG Spokesperson, CG Commodore Armando Balilo, said the PCG discovered the unauthorized registration when it received intelligence reports that a group in Bataan representing itself as 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. was recruiting and charging fees to join their organization.

“They have been warned accordingly. We will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to effect arrest should they continue to misrepresent the PCG and solicit money from ordinary people they are recruiting in the rural areas,” CG Commodore Balilo emphasized.

The Coast Guard Spokesperson also stated that the 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. conducted induction ceremonies and wore uniforms, insignia, and ranks – suggesting to the public that they were part of the PCG and PCGA.

The 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. also misrepresented that PCG’s senior officers, including PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, himself, authorized their activities.

“They have to respect the PCG as an armed organization and preserve the sanctity of wearing the uniform,” CG Commodore Balilo furthered. 

The PCG warns the public that any unauthorized use of the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s, PCG's, or PCGA's names, uniforms, logos, and insignias is a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code.

Moreover, the unauthorized collection of fees for membership in the PCG or PCGA under pretenses constitutes ESTAFA, a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, if committed on a large scale.

PCG FILES ESTAFA VS 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC.

On 13 January 2023, the PCG Station Bataan has filed cases of estafa, usurpation of authority, and unlawful use of logo and insignia against the 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. at the Bataan Prosecutor's Office in Balanga City.

Approximately 500 Bataan residents were recruited by the 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. and 50 of them accompanied the PCG Station Bataan during the filing of the said cases.

According to the Coast Guard Legal Service Commander, CG Captain Donette Dolina, they will continue to pursue legal measures until all unauthorized activities cease, and those who caused these violations are apprehended, penalized, and placed behind bars.

PCG PRESS RELEASE

19 January 2023