The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police β Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) strongly advise all passengers at Batangas Port Terminal to remain vigilant and avoid engaging in unauthorized transactions outside the terminal premises.
These activities, which often involve promises of expedited vehicle boarding services in exchange for monetary payments, are illegal and unregulated.
The advisory comes amid the high influx of rolling cargoes and passengers at Batangas Port Terminal this Christmas season, which has created opportunities for illicit activities.
On 23 December 2024, two individuals engaged in "fixing" activities were apprehended at the terminal.
These suspects were caught coercing motorists and passengers to pay for unauthorized facilitation services.
The operation followed reports circulating on social media about extortion incidents along the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Access Road.
Personnel from Coast Guard Station (CGS) Batangas, the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit of Southern Tagalog (CGIU-STL), and PNP-MARIG Batangas City mobilized in response, arriving at the site at approximately 9:00 PM.
The suspects were caught in the act of offering illegal expedited vehicle boarding services for fees.
Evidence, including mobile phones, marked money, and boodle money, was seized for further investigation, and the suspects were transferred to PNP-MARIG custody.
Authorities are now examining the possibility of additional accomplices involved in the scheme.
A motorcycle rider shared his account of the incident. He stated that while traveling from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to his home in San Juan, Victoria, Mindoro, he was approached by the suspects along Diversion Road.
They offered to expedite his boarding process for a fee of PHP 1,000, payable only after successfully boarding the vessel.
Said motorcycle rider also revealed that two of his companions were approached with similar offers.
However, the transaction was not completed as authorities intervened promptly.
The suspects are facing charges under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for other deceit.
Passengers are reminded to report any suspicious activities to port authorities and avoid engaging with unauthorized individuals.
The PCG and PNP reiterate their commitment to safeguarding the traveling public and ensuring lawful operations at the nationβs ports, particularly during the busy holiday season.