The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two alleged illegal recruiters at Tinagacan Checkpoint, South Cotabato, at around 2:35PM yesterday, 08 March 2025.

The suspects were identified as 43-year-old Mr. Leonardo Yarte (husband) and 43-year-old Mrs. Lawrence Lyka Yarte (wife) who illegally recruited 10 PCG applicants to join the Coast Guard service.

The victims said the arrested individuals offered to secure their enlistment into the Coast Guard service in exchange of 120,000 pesos each.

Joint elements of Coast Guard Intelligence Group-Southern Mindanao (CGIG-SM), Special Operations Group (SOG) Southern Mindanao, Maritime Security Law Enforcement Unit (MSLEU) Southern Mindanao, Criminal Investigation Division Group (CIDG) Region 12 and Police Station 8 Barangay Tinagacan successfully apprehended the two suspects at Tinagacan Checkpoint while en route to Davao International Airport for their flight to Manila.

At around 10:23AM, Coast Guard personnel proceeded to CIDG Region 12 to conduct a briefing regarding the alleged illegal recruitment. The operatives arrived at Tinagacan Checkpoint at 11:30AM.

At around 1:20PM, the suspects, together with the 10 illegally recruited PCG applicants, arrived at Bulaong Bus Terminal where they boarded a bus bound for Davao.

Upon the bus’ arrival at the Tinagacan Checkpoint at 2:35PM, the operatives conducted the apprehension in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9208 as amended by RA 10364, also known as the "Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012,” Usurpation of Authority, and Estafa.

The apprehended individuals were informed of their constitutional rights two Alternative Recording Devices (ARD) were used during the entire operation.

The suspects and 10 rescued victims were brought to the CIDG Region 12 for documentation. Afterwards, the victims were allowed to return to their boarding house in General Santos City, but were advised to report to Police Station 8 on Monday, 10 March 2025, for the filing of case and further investigation.

As of press time, the suspects are detained at the CIDG Region 12.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan PCG, has directed all PCG Districts, Stations, and Sub-Stations to strictly monitor reports on illegal recruitment and quickly respond to type of incidents.